The United States Embassy in Abuja on Friday said that the reciprocity fee on approved visas will remain effective until the Nigerian Government puts an official seal on a new fee for Americans seeking Nigerian visas, reported Pulse NG.
The Embassy made the announcement in a statement through its Public Affairs Department on Friday in Abuja.
“The U.S Embassy looks forward to receiving official diplomatic communication regarding a new fee schedule for Americans seeking Nigerian Visas,” the statement read. “Until such time, and confirmation of implementation, the reciprocity fee for approved visas to the United States will remain in place.”
Earlier this week, Washington had announced that Nigerian citizens would be required to pay a visa issuance fee for all approved non-migrant visas effective from August 29. The fee levied was in addition to the non-migrant visa application fee known as MVR, which all applicants pay at the time of application. Nigerians whose visa applications are denied will not be required to pay the fee.
The decision to increase the fees was taken after the U.S. complained that their citizens were paying too much to secure visas but the Nigerian government failed to reduce its visa cost.
The U.S. State Department said the visa fees were increased after 18 months of consultation with the Nigerian government, to make its visa fees for Americans proportional, failed.
The move forced the Nigerian Government through the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, to announce an approval on the reduction of visa fees from $180 to $150 for Americans seeking Nigerian visas. He said the reduction in visa charges payable by U.S citizens was in line with reciprocity policy as recommended by a committee set up to conduct due diligence.
Notably, the U.S. is a major destination for thousands of Nigerians who travel annually for various reasons including education, leisure, and work.
