By Ademola Adekusibe
September 29, 2025
Nigeria has entered into a reciprocal visa-free travel arrangement with the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, allowing citizens of both countries to travel without visas for short visits.
The agreement, which officially took effect on August 4, 2025, covers holders of ordinary passports and is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Africa’s largest nation and the Caribbean state.
According to details released by the Federal Government, travelers are required to present passports valid for at least six months, complete Nigeria’s newly introduced digital landing and exit cards, and provide proof of accommodation or return tickets where necessary.
Officials described the policy as a landmark step in deepening Afro-Caribbean ties, with both sides expected to benefit from improved tourism, trade, and investment opportunities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that St. Kitts and Nevis is now the first country outside Africa and the ECOWAS bloc to enjoy visa-free access to Nigeria.
Diplomatic observers say the move reflects Nigeria’s broader strategy of fostering closer relations with small island nations, particularly in the Caribbean, where historical and cultural connections to Africa remain strong.
Government sources also linked the development to Nigeria’s recent border reforms, including the introduction of digital entry systems and stricter enforcement against overstaying visitors. These measures, they explained, were designed to make Nigeria more open to genuine travelers while safeguarding national security.
Officials of both Nigeria and St. Kitts and Nevis hailed the visa-free deal as a milestone in South-South cooperation, noting that it will ease travel for students, entrepreneurs, and tourists. The agreement is also expected to open new opportunities for cultural exchange between West Africa and the Caribbean.
With the policy now in effect, Nigerians planning to visit St. Kitts and Nevis, and citizens of the Caribbean nation seeking to travel to Nigeria, will no longer require visas, provided they meet the entry conditions set out by both governments.
