Nigeria, St. Kitts & Nevis Seal Historic Visa-Free Travel Agreement to Boost Afro-Caribbean Relations

Nigeria and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis have formalised a reciprocal visa-free travel agreement, marking a major diplomatic milestone between Africa’s largest economy and the Caribbean island nation. The pact, which took effect on September 26, 2025, allows citizens of both countries to travel visa-free for up to 90 days, signaling a new era of Afro-Caribbean cooperation.

The announcement was made by His Excellency Calvin St. Juste, Executive Chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of St. Kitts and Nevis, during an official visit to Abuja. St. Juste described the development as “historic and symbolic,” noting that it represents St. Kitts’ deep commitment to strengthening bilateral and cultural ties with Nigeria.

“This agreement is more than a travel convenience it’s a bridge between two regions with shared history and common aspirations,” St. Juste said. “Nigeria represents a vital partner in trade, investment, and cultural exchange, and this partnership underscores our mutual respect and vision for inclusive global growth.”

The Nigerian government’s decision, approved in late September, grants visa-free entry to holders of ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports from St. Kitts and Nevis. In return, Nigerian citizens can now visit the Caribbean nation without a visa for short stays, further boosting mobility and tourism between both countries.

Government officials and trade observers view the deal as a strategic step toward deepening South-South cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Africa-Caribbean Investment and Trade Partnership (ACITP)  a platform established to enhance economic collaboration between African and Caribbean states. The agreement also builds on the resolutions of the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS ’25) held earlier this year in Abuja, which brought together business and policy leaders from over 15 nations.

Economic analysts note that the move could open new channels for investment, particularly in tourism, real estate, education, and technology. Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing investor markets for the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, with a growing number of Nigerians seeking second citizenship as a gateway to global business opportunities.

According to St. Juste, the twin-island nation hopes to position itself as a gateway for Nigerian investors to the Caribbean, while Nigeria can serve as a hub for St. Kitts’ engagement with Africa. He emphasised that beyond economic benefits, the visa-free regime would strengthen people-to-people connections and cultural diplomacy between both regions.

Diplomatic observers have described the pact as a breakthrough in Nigeria’s foreign policy, being the first such visa waiver extended by the country to a non-African, non-ECOWAS state. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also indicated that similar agreements with other Caribbean nations are under discussion as part of Nigeria’s long-term goal to expand its global partnerships beyond traditional Western alliances.

The visa-free travel arrangement is expected to take full operational effect immediately, with both governments working to streamline travel documentation and immigration procedures in the coming weeks.