The South African Presidency has clarified misunderstanding risen from the simplified visa process for Nigerian nationals which was announced during the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission on Tuesday.
Media Bypass News reports that the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa in his opening remarks announced that qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa while tourists from Nigeria can apply for a visa without submitting a passport.
In a statement released by the Spokesman to the President, Vincent Magwenya revealed on Wednesday that to modernise, streamline visa application processes worldwide, South African missions in Nigeria have improved the efficiency and convenience of applying for a visa.
While stated that this is part of the visa reforms initiated by the Government of South Africa to enable economic activities, boost tourism and protecting its national security, adding that the modernisation of the visa application process does not compromise the integrity of the visa system. According to him, “Prospective travellers can apply for their visas without submitting their passports along with their applications at the time of application.
“Applicants are only required to submit certified copies of the biopage of their passports, and their actual passports should also be availed during the application process for verification and confirmation”. 
He explained that once a visa has been approved, such applicants are required to submit their passports for the process to be completed and for the visa to be affixed in the passport.
South African Presidency noted that these changes have improved customer experience while ensuring the security and integrity of the overall visa application process.
The President who during the meeting yesterday is looking forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in the South Africa, said his Government is making efforts to create a favourable environment which include simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa.
