South Africa has simplified its visa application process for Nigerians, offering eligible businesspersons and tourists a five-year multiple-entry visa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the policy on Tuesday during the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) session in Cape Town.
Ramaphosa emphasized that the initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote trade and tourism between the two nations. He acknowledged the need to address challenges faced by Nigerian businesses operating in South Africa and pledged to create a more favorable environment for investments.
In a related development, the two countries agreed to finalize a long-pending Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism, designed to curb violence and criminal activities involving their citizens.
The MoU is expected to be signed by March 2025 during a visit by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria.
Both nations also adopted a joint stance on the Middle East crisis, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy while advocating for civilian protection and lasting peace.
