TheCable

The United States has removed the reciprocity fee imposed on visa applications from Nigeria.

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.