Kenyan Professionals Protest Heavy Paperwork for Nigerian Business Visas

Kenyan professionals and business executives are facing severe travel hurdles to Nigeria due to stringent visa conditions and high fees, despite Nigerian citizens enjoying free access to Kenya.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei on Tuesday declared the situation unacceptable, confirming that Nairobi is seeking a remedy through diplomatic and political channels.

The Ministry's intervention follows growing frustration from Kenyan travellers forced to navigate onerous bureaucratic demands for work-related visits, including industry conferences and trade engagements.

Under current Nigerian immigration rules, applicants must supply extensive documentation. Business travellers must submit an introduction letter from their Kenyan employer, an invitation from the host company, relevant corporate registration documents, and bank statements covering up to three months. They must also produce a yellow fever certificate, return ticket, and the personal passport details of the host extending the invitation.

Applicants complain that these requirements match or exceed those set by the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Schengen area. The online application process is frequently plagued by delays, high processing charges, and non-refundable rejections, even when all requested papers are provided.

The diplomatic friction has drawn attention to Nigeria's "Reciprocal Visa Fee Policy." Under this framework, Abuja determines charges based on what host nations bill Nigerian citizens. A Nigerian travel expert noted that Abuja imposes visa fees on nearly all nations that allow Nigerians entry without a visa, exempting only members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Critics argue the policy is applied inconsistently and unfairly penalises countries offering open access. Kenya expanded visa-free travel to nearly all African nationals in July 2025 to foster regional trade, tourism, and integration, leaving out only Somalia and Libya. Nigerian citizens benefit fully from this open-door arrangement.

The policy disparity means Kenyans continue to pay heavy out-of-pocket expenses. CNN journalist Larry Madowo brought public attention to the issue earlier this year when he revealed he was charged Ksh10,332 ($80) for a single-entry visa, with online processing and payment surcharges making up much of the cost. He noted that applicants often receive single-entry permits despite paying for and requesting multiple-entry clearance.

In a statement posted on X, Sing'oei tagged the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria and Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, questioning why Abuja refuses to reciprocate Nairobi's courtesy.

"The treatment of Kenyans seeking visas to Nigeria is unacceptable. While we extend visa free entry to Nigerian citizens, this is not reciprocated. The inconvenience suffered by Kenyans is unwarranted. We are pursuing the remedying of this situation with vigor at diplomatic and political levels," Sing'oei wrote.