Kenya has challenged Nigeria over its visa requirements for Kenyan citizens, demanding reciprocal treatment for travellers between the two countries.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, said Nairobi was pursuing diplomatic and political measures to address what he described as the unfair treatment of Kenyans applying for Nigerian visas.
“The treatment of Kenyans seeking visas to Nigeria is unacceptable. While we extend visa-free entry to Nigerian citizens, this is not reciprocated,” Sing’Oei said in a post on X on Tuesday.
He said the difficulties faced by Kenyan applicants were unwarranted, adding that his government was working to resolve the matter through official channels.
Under Nigeria’s published visa policy, Kenyan citizens holding ordinary passports require visas to enter the country. Visa-free arrangements for certain Kenyan diplomatic and official passport holders do not extend to ordinary passport holders.
By contrast, Kenya exempts Nigerian citizens from obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorisation for short visits of up to 60 days, subject to its entry requirements.
The exemption covers visits such as tourism, business and family trips, but does not guarantee admission. Travellers must still satisfy Kenyan immigration officers and obtain the relevant permits for activities such as employment or longer-term residence.
Kenyans applying for Nigerian visas are generally required to submit applications and make payments through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal before presenting supporting documents to the Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi.
Requirements vary according to the purpose of travel and may include a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, a yellow fever certificate and evidence of accommodation or an invitation from a host.
Business travellers may also need letters from their employers and Nigerian organisations they intend to visit.
Sing’Oei’s statement signals Kenya’s intention to pursue the issue through diplomatic channels. Any change to Nigeria’s visa requirements would depend on decisions by the Nigerian authorities.
The dispute comes amid wider efforts to ease travel and strengthen trade and economic ties across Africa, where differing entry requirements continue to affect movement between countries.
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