South Africa Eases Visa Rules for Nigerian Tourists & Biz

The South African government has relaxed visa requirements for Nigerian tourists and business people, allowing them to apply for a visa without producing a passport.President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement on Tuesday at the commencement of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which was attended by President Bola Tinubu.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, made the announcement in a statement.

According to the release, President Ramaphosa stated that South Africa has simplified visa requirements to make travel easier for Nigerian businesspeople and visitors, including five-year multiple entry permits.

“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” he was quoted as saying.

He also pledged South Africa’s commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies in both countries.

“As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship.  Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation.

“Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country.

“But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced,” President Ramaphosa stated.

He also acknowledged the Nigerian government’s reforms to further strengthen and foster a business environment that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa.

“Our government continues with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors.

“We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” the President added.

The South African leader stated that Africa’s development and the issues faced by countries in the Global South would be prominently included on the G20 agenda.