Renowned journalist Larry Madowo, a correspondent for CNN International, has voiced frustration regarding Nigeria’s visa charges.
Taking to his LinkedIn account on Monday, Madowo highlighted the significant expenses he incurs despite holding a Kenyan passport, which grants him visa-free entry to several African countries such as Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana.
Expressing his dismay, Madowo revealed that Nigeria imposes a hefty fee of $215 for a single-entry visa, which he has had to pay repeatedly. He emphasized that although the visa itself costs $25, additional charges, including a $20 ‘processing fee’ and $170 for biometrics, are imposed with each visit.
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Madowo questioned the rationale behind paying $170 for biometric data when his fingerprints remain unchanged since his last visit.
In his statement, Madowo underscored the contradiction between charging high visa fees and the vision of a borderless Africa or the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He emphasized his recent experiences in Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana, where he encountered no visa requirements with his Kenyan passport, contrasting sharply with Nigeria’s visa charges.
Regarding Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival system, Madowo drew parallels to Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization process, labeling it as a “delusion” due to the bureaucratic hurdles and potential for expedited approval through informal channels at additional costs.
While expressing his affection for Nigeria, Madowo urged for a reconsideration of the visa policies, lamenting the burden it places on travelers.
He concluded his remarks with a colloquial expression, signaling his frustration with the current visa regime.
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