Kenya Challenges Nigeria’s Visa Rules, Seeks Equal Treatment for Travellers

Kenya has formally raised concerns over Nigeria’s visa requirements for Kenyan citizens and is asking for equal treatment of travellers between the two countries. Korir Sing’Oei, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said Nairobi is pursuing diplomatic and political measures over what he called unfair treatment of Kenyan passport holders applying for Nigerian visas.

Sing’Oei wrote on X on Tuesday: “The treatment of Kenyans seeking visas to Nigeria is unacceptable. While we extend visa-free entry to Nigerian citizens, this is not reciprocated.” He said the difficulties faced by Kenyan applicants were unwarranted and confirmed that the government was engaging relevant authorities to resolve the matter.

What Nigeria requires

Under Nigeria’s current travel policy, Kenyan citizens holding ordinary passports must obtain visas before entering the country. Exemptions for certain Kenyan diplomatic and official passport holders do not extend to ordinary passport holders.

Kenyans applying for Nigerian visas generally submit applications and payments through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal before presenting supporting documents to the Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi. Depending on the purpose of the visit, applicants may need a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket, a yellow fever vaccination certificate and proof of accommodation or an invitation letter. Business travellers may also be required to provide letters from their employers and the Nigerian organisations they intend to visit.

Kenya’s open door for Nigerians

Kenya allows Nigerian citizens to enter without an Electronic Travel Authorisation for stays of up to 60 days. The exemption covers tourism, business and family trips. Standard immigration checks still apply. Nigerians intending to work or reside in Kenya for longer periods must obtain the relevant permits.

Sing’Oei’s statement signals Kenya’s intention to pursue the matter through official diplomatic channels. Any revision to Nigeria’s visa policy would ultimately depend on decisions by Nigerian authorities.

Wider travel picture

The disagreement comes amid broader efforts across Africa to ease cross-border movement and strengthen trade and investment. Differences in immigration requirements remain a challenge for business travel, tourism and regional economic integration.

Separately, a ranking by visa information platform IziVisas in October 2026 listed 17 countries and territories where Nigerian passport holders can obtain visas on arrival. The arrangement can reduce the need for advance visa applications, but it does not automatically guarantee entry.

The visa standoff adds friction to travel between two major African economies. It also tests the push for easier movement of people and business across the continent.