Reciprocity Policy: Nigeria Reduces Visa Fee For US Citizens

The federal government has approved a reduction in visa fee payable by citizens of the United States in line with the reciprocity policy that was recently announced by the US Embassy.

According to a statement issued by the Director of press and public relations of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Mohammed Manga on Wednesday in Abuja, the fee has been reduced to $160 with effect from August 29 after it was approved by the Minister, Rauf Aregbesola.

The statement said, “The attention of the Ministry of Interior has been drawn to the introduction of reciprocity of visa fees by the United States of America.

“The ministry acknowledges that there were engagements with the U.S. Embassy on the issue and, in the aftermath, a committee was set up to conduct due diligence, in line with the ministry’s extant policy on reciprocity of visa fees.

“The committee had concluded its assignment and submitted a report but the issuance of authorisation for its recommendations was delayed due to transition processes in the ministry at the policy level.”

The statement also said that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has been directed to implement the new fee.

The US had on Tuesday announced new fee for nonimmigrant visas for Nigerians saying the move was based on reciprocity policy because her citizens pay higher to obtain Nigerian visa.