CNN reporter Larry Madowo has criticised Nigeria’s $80 visa fee charge for Kenyans.
This is despite Kenya granting Nigerians visa-free access.
Madowo’s criticism comes as African nations debate whether high entry costs undermine the continent’s free trade and movement ambitions.
Madowo broke down the payment as: $25 for the visa, $20 in processing fees, and $170 for biometric verification. After three visits to Nigeria since 2024, Madowo has paid $645 in visa fees alone.
“Nigeria just charged me $215 for a 1-month single-entry visa. Again. I was here 3 weeks ago – paid the same $215. This is actually my 3rd time in Nigeria this year, so they have made $645 from me in 2024 alone. The visa itself costs $25 but Nigeria charges a $20 ‘processing fee’ and $170 for biometrics every time. My fingerprints haven’t changed since I was here 3 weeks ago, why am I paying $170 to have them taken and to pose for a picture each time I visit? Isn’t that a standard part of admitting someone into a country?” How can we achieve a borderless Africa, or the promise of the AfCFTA, if we charge Africans $215 for a single-entry visa?”
Contrasts
He highlighted Kenya’s visa-free policy as a direct contrast to Nigeria’s costly entry fees. Within three weeks of leaving Lagos, he visited Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana, all at zero cost on his Kenyan passport.
Read Also: Africa Visa Openness Report 2024
However, Madowo also turned his Nigeria visa fee criticism toward Kenya, noting that its visa-free Electronic Travel Authorisation still required an online application, a $30 fee, and up to three days of processing. This not the first time he has criticized this policy.
Experts say high visa fees directly contradict the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which depends on the free movement of people and goods across African borders.
Kenya has since removed its ETA requirement entirely, granting all African nationals visa-free entry for up to two months.
Nigeria has made no such move.
