U.S. removes reciprocity visa fees for Nigerians  

Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the development followed the removal of excess visa application, processing and biometric fees for American citizens applying for Nigerian visas.

The American government had, in August last year (2019), imposed the reciprocity fee for all approved non-immigrant visa applications by Nigerians.

The fee, which was charged in addition to visa application fees for only applicants who were issued visas, had attracted additional $80 to $303 in reciprocity fees, depending on the class of visa.

Advertisement

The US Embassy in Nigeria said the reciprocity fees were in response to unsuccessful talks with Nigeria to adjust the fees it charged American applicants.

Indeed, the total cost for a US citizen to obtain a visa to Nigeria was at that intersection higher than the total cost for a Nigerian to obtain a comparable visa to the United States.

In a riposte that spawned hues and cries in diplomatic circles, the Mission had insisted that the reciprocity fee imposed by its home government  was meant to eliminate the cost difference as required by the U.S. laws.

The statement by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcing the removal of the reciprocity fee was signed by its spokesperson, Ferdinand Nwonye.

The statement: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the United States Government has removed all visa reciprocity fees for Nigerian citizens seeking visas to the United States.

“The positive development is in line with the removal of excess visa application, processing and biometric fees for United States citizens applying for Nigerian visas by the Nigerian Government.

“The United States Government has, therefore, eliminated reciprocity fees for Nigerian citizens with effect from December 3, 2020.”