x

FG slashes visa fees for U.S. citizens

The Federal Government has slashed its visa application charges for citizens of the United States from $180 to $160.

The old amount comprised $160 as visa fee and $20 as “processing and expedient fees”.

According to the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Muhammad Babandede, the reduction followed a review of the U.S.’ visa reciprocity policy for Nigeria.

Babandede stated this in a Feb. 5 memo marked NIS/HQ/CGI/806/7 and addressed to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In August, 2019, the U.S. government imposed additional visa fees on Nigerians in retaliation for the “treatment afforded to U.S. citizens” by the Nigerian government.

The policy required successful applicants for nonimmigrant U.S. visas in the B, F, H1B, I, L, and R categories to pay between $80 and $303 as reciprocity fees.

This is in addition to the normal visa application fees of between $160 and $190.

“The total cost for a U.S. citizen to obtain a visa to Nigeria is currently higher than the total cost for a Nigerian to obtain a comparable visa to the United States.

“The new reciprocity fee for Nigerian citizens is meant to eliminate that cost difference,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement on its website then.

In his letter, the NIS urged all Nigerian missions in the U.S. to immediately implement the new visa charges payable by US citizens, and “discontinue charging processing or expedient fees”.

“Our Missions are to issue up to two years multiple entry visa to frequent short visit travelers on request in line with reciprocity,” he said.

A senior official of the Nigerian Consulate in New York, told NAN that the “processing and expedient fees” of $20 was for online application and payment services rendered by a private firm.

Babandede’s letter came a day after President Muhammadu Buhari launched the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020 which, among others, increased the country’s visa classes from six to 79.(NAN)

Hot this week

Nigeria @ 65: FG Unveils Official Theme

… World Press Conference Holds on Monday, 29th September The...

PCRC Zone 4 Trains Members on Community Policing in Lafia

By Leo Zwanke, Lafia The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC),...

Nigeria @65: Northern CAN Urges Hope, Calls on Leaders to Strengthen Nation-Building

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),...

Sixty-Five Cheers to a Great Nation in Need of True Reflections

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on behalf of...

Analysis: Why the 2026 Hajj Fare Should Be N6.8 Million

By Ibrahim Muhammad The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)...

NYCN Launches Tinubu CARES, Empowers Traders as Nigeria Marks 65th Independence

…Rolls out entrepreneurship fund to boost small businesses …..Distributes modern...

Wike Condoles With Arise News Over Death Of News Anchor, Vows Killers Will Be Apprehended

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has...

Sixty-Five Cheers to a Great Nation in Need of True Reflections

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on behalf of...

Nigeria @65: United, prosperous nation possible under Tinubu administration – Amagbein

By Our Correspondent Better, united and prosperous Nigeria is possible...

NNPC Foundation Boosts Economy with Agricultural Intervention, Say Kano Farmers

By Jabiru Hassan Farmers in Kano State have commended the...

Kogi Boat Mishap: Death Toll Rises to 36, 40 Rescued

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)...

Nigeria @65: Claims of Progress Are Deceptive – Activist Ukegbu

A social rights activist, Comrade Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu, has...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img