NAIROBI, Kenya- Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has said Kenya is pursuing diplomatic and political efforts to address complaints about the visa process for Kenyans travelling to Nigeria.
“The treatment of Kenyans seeking visas to Nigeria is unacceptable,” Sing’Oei wrote on X, saying Nigerians are granted visa-free entry to Kenya while Kenyans face a more demanding process when travelling to Nigeria.
He described the inconvenience as “unwarranted” and said the Government was seeking a remedy.
His remarks followed a post by an X user, W_Asherah, who said a colleague attending a conference in Nigeria had to provide extensive documentation, including the passport of the person inviting them.
She also said the application process was longer than applying for a UK, US or Schengen visa.
Nigerian visa rules require host documents
The Nigerian High Commission in Kenya lists different requirements for business and tourist visa applications.
Business applicants are asked to provide an invitation letter from the Nigerian company hosting them, a company introduction letter from Kenya, a return ticket and a copy of the passport data page of the host or signatory in Nigeria.
Tourist applicants must also provide an invitation letter and the host’s passport data page, alongside other documents.
The High Commission says applications are submitted on Mondays and Wednesdays, with collection scheduled three to five working days after submission.
The posted timeline does not account for preparation of documents or any additional processing that may be required.
Kenya’s electronic travel authorisation website lists Nigeria among countries whose citizens require an authorisation before travel.
Sing’Oei, however, described Nigerians’ access to Kenya as visa-free, while arguing that the treatment of Kenyan travellers in Nigeria is not reciprocated.
