Despite FG’s reduction, US refuses to drop hiked visa fees for Nigerians

After the Federal Government of Nigeria slashed visa fees for the citizens of the United States, the United States Embassy has stated that it would continue to charge Nigerians reciprocity fees.

Reasons given:  The US Embassy gave its reason in a press release stating that it had not received any diplomatic communication regarding a new fee schedule for Americans seeking Nigerian visas.

“The US Embassy looks forward to receiving official diplomatic communication regarding a new fee schedule for Americans seeking Nigerian visas. Until such time, and confirmation of implementation, the reciprocity fees for approved visas to the United States will remain in place.”

[READ MORE: Nigerian Government crashes visa fees by 11% for US citizens]

This is coming two days after the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola announced the review of visa fees payable by United States citizens. The fee was reduced by 11% from $180 (N55,260) to $160 (N49,120).

The action was taken by the Nigerian Government as a result of the reason the US gave when it hiked the visa issuance fees for Nigerians. The US Government claimed that it had engaged the Nigerian Government seeking a reduction on the cost of visa issuance to its citizens since early 2018.

Nairametrics had earlier reported when the U.S announced that effective from Aug. 29. Nigerian Citizens worldwide would be required to pay a visa issuance fee for all approved non-migrant visas.

This means that Nigerian applicants going for tourism, study and business visas will be required to pay an extra $110 (N33,770) for the visa issuance fee. Applicants going for the L1 Visa (work permit) will pay an extra $303 (N93,021) if given visas, while those applying for H4 Visa (dependency/spousal) will pay $180 (N55,260) fee.

[READ FURTHER: US Embassy denies banning student visas for Nigerians]