CNN’s Madowo questions Nigeria’s $80 single entry visa policy for Kenyans

Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo has criticised Nigeria’s visa charges for Kenyan travellers, describing the policy as an imbalance in travel arrangements between the two African nations.

Madowo raised the concern on social media on Monday, saying he was required to pay about $80 (around KSh10,300) for a Nigerian visa despite Kenya allowing Nigerians to enter the country without visas.

“Nigerians don’t need a visa to come to Kenya, but as a Kenyan passport holder I am still charged over KSh10,000 ($80) for a single-entry visa,” the journalist wrote.

Kenya expanded its visa-free policy to most African countries in July 2025 under President William Ruto, as part of efforts to boost tourism, trade and regional integration across the continent.

Under the policy, travellers from most African countries can enter Kenya without traditional visas, with only a few exceptions.

Madowo also questioned additional charges associated with the Nigerian visa application process. According to him, although the visa itself costs about $25, applicants are required to pay extra fees for online processing and payment services.

He said the application process includes a $50 online processing charge and a $5 payment service fee, significantly increasing the overall cost.

The journalist further complained that travellers sometimes receive single-entry visas even after applying and paying for multiple-entry permits.

His comments sparked debate online, with some social media users calling on Kenya to introduce reciprocal visa policies for countries that still require Kenyan citizens to obtain visas.

Nigeria currently requires most foreign nationals to obtain entry visas before travelling to the country, except citizens of member states of the Economic Community of West African States, who enjoy visa-free movement under regional agreements.

Outside the bloc, only a small number of African countries have visa-waiver arrangements with Nigeria.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, remains a major destination for business and trade in West Africa, attracting visitors from across the continent.

All African countries visiting Kenya do not need visas except nationals of Somalia and Libya.

However, discussions around visa costs and travel restrictions have increasingly surfaced across Africa as governments attempt to balance security concerns with calls for easier movement within the continent.