The South African High Commission in Nigeria has stated that its visa sections remain open to Nigerian applicants, dispelling reports that visa issuance to Nigerians had been suspended.
The mission, which emphasised its continued commitment to facilitating travel, study, and business exchanges between South Africa and Nigeria, noted that applications are being received and processed in line with existing guidelines.
South African Acting High Commissioner and Consul General to Nigeria, Bobby J. Moroe, who affirmed that the visa issuance is ongoing, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, met with a group of Nigerian DJs in Lagos, and approved their travel visas for performances across South Africa.
The action, Mission officials said, serves as confirmation that visa processing has not stopped.
According to a mission official: “South African missions in Nigeria have never ceased issuing visas to Nigerian travellers.”
He added that policy remains unchanged, relating that applicants who meet requirements are granted visas, while those who do not are refused visas.
The South African envoy said that people-to-people ties between the two countries remain active.
“Nigerian DJs play in Johannesburg, South African gospel artists in Lagos, students in Cape Town, traders in Aba. These are the real ties that bind us. To jeopardise that with unverified reports does a disservice to both countries,” he said.
Saying that the South African Consulate General in Lagos and the South African High Commission in Abuja remain available and accessible, Moroe added: “We, therefore, call upon all media houses to verify facts with us before publication. Our lines are open. Our doors, like our visa sections, remain open to all Nigerians and other potential travelers.”
Both offices confirmed that phone lines are open and visa sections are receiving applications from Nigerians and other potential travellers.
“Visa processing continues based on merit and compliance with requirements,” the CG emphasised.
