Nigerian citizens can now obtain a South African visa within seven days, according to a recent statement made by the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria.


The Consulate General of South Africa in Nigeria, Professor Bobby Moroe, has announced a significant reduction in visa processing times for Nigerian citizens. Previously, visa applications could take up to six months to be processed. However, under the new guidelines, Nigerian nationals can now expect to receive their visas within seven days.

The representative informed the press during the July Breakfast Meeting, sponsored by South Africa Airways, on the topic "Diplomatic Relations Between South Africa and Nigeria-Prospects and Challenges", which took place in Lagos recently.

As per Moroe, the new expedited process requires applicants to include photocopies of their travel passports with their applications, and then wait for a request to submit the original document for a visa.

Moroe also highlighted that, based on 2022 statistics, the trade volume favored Nigeria, reaching $72.1bn, while South Africa's trade volume stood at $447m.

In a recent discussion, it was revealed that the primary commodities driving the $72.1 billion trade surplus in Nigeria’s favor were rubber, petroleum, and crude oil.

Furthermore, the envoy highlighted the significant contribution of magnetic rubber stoppers, a specialized industrial tool used for preventing water spillages, to South Africa’s $447 million trade advantage.

He mentioned that in addition to exporting pears and apples, which brings in $43.2 million, the consumption of these fruits in Nigeria is remarkably high. Given the populations of Nigeria and South Africa, it is understandable that the trade balance leans in your favor. However, he believes there is room for improvement, particularly in boosting the presence of Nigerian companies in South Africa.