Renowned CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has voiced his concerns over Nigeria's steep visa fees, calling attention to the hefty financial burden it imposes on visitors.
Taking to LinkedIn on Monday, Madowo highlighted the disparity in visa fees between Nigeria and other African countries, particularly for citizens holding Kenyan passports.
Despite holding a Kenyan passport that grants visa-free access to several African nations such as Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana, Madowo revealed that Nigeria requires a substantial fee of $215 for a single-entry visa.
Expressing his frustration, Madowo wrote, "Nigeria just charged me $215 for a one-month, single entry visa. Again. I was here three weeks ago – paid the same $215. This is actually my third time in Nigeria this year, so they have made $645 from me in 2024 alone."
He further explained that while the visa itself costs $25, Nigeria imposes additional charges of $20 for a 'processing fee' and a staggering $170 for biometrics, even though his fingerprints remain unchanged between visits.
Questioning the rationale behind such exorbitant fees, Madowo raised concerns about Nigeria's commitment to facilitating seamless travel within Africa and fostering economic integration, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Comparing Nigeria's visa system to that of other countries, Madowo emphasized the ease of travel and minimal financial burden experienced in nations like Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana, where visa-free access is granted to Kenyan passport holders.
He also critiqued Nigeria's visa-on-arrival system, likening it to the cumbersome application process of Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which often involves lengthy processing times and additional fees for expedited approval.
Despite his fondness for Nigeria, Madowo urged authorities to reconsider the visa policy, emphasizing the need for a more streamlined and affordable process to promote tourism, business, and regional integration.
Madowo's remarks have sparked discussions online, with many echoing his sentiments and calling for reforms to Nigeria's visa regulations to foster greater connectivity and collaboration across the continent.
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