The federal government has announced that the United States has removed all visa reciprocity fees for Nigerians seeking visas to the country.
Jomog News Nigeria reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the development was sequel to the removal of excess visa application, processing and biometric fees for American citizens applying for Nigerian visas.
The Donald Trump administration had in 2019 imposed the reciprocity fee for all approved non-immigrant visa applications by Nigerians. The additional reciprocity fees which ranged from $80 to $303 depending on the class of visa, took effect from August 29, 2020.
The US Embassy in Nigeria said the fees were in response to unsuccessful talks with Nigeria to adjust the fees it charges American applicants.
In a statement on Friday, the ministry of foreign affairs said the reciprocity fee will no longer be effected from December 3, 2020.
“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 statement signed by Ferdinand Nwonye, spokesman of the ministry read.
“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.”
The fee was imposed in August 2019 for applicants whose non-immigrant visa applications are granted.
At the time, the US Consulate said it was “reciprocating” the extra visa fee the Nigerian government charges American citizens.
The consulate had said while America charged Nigerians $160 for visa application, its citizens seeking Nigerian visa were paying $110 extra.
As a result, the federal government reduced visa application fees for US citizens.
