Kenya urges Nigerians to explore point of entry visas

The Kenyan government has urged Nigerians to take advantage of a pact allowing nationals of the two countries obtain visas at the point of entering Kenya and Nigeria.

Carlos Maluta, Minister Counsellor, Kenya High Commission, on Sunday urged Nigerians to take advantage of the policy allowing them to receive Kenya’s visas at the point of entry.

Mr. Maluta told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the policy would enable Nigerians travelling to Kenya for businesses and other purposes to obtain their entry visas faster.

The envoy, however, said that Nigerians who wished to obtain their visas from the High Commission’s Consulate offices in Nigeria could still do so.

“We want Nigerians to know that our point of entry visa policy is to make it easy for them to travel to Kenya before obtaining their visas.

“Especially, those who have urgent business appointments or personal engagements to meet up with.

“But, they must have their return tickets and other valid travel documents. More importantly, they should not fall into the category of prohibited immigrants.

“Kenya is actually looking at the possibility of promoting an Africa where there is free movement of goods and people across the continent,” he said.

Mr. Maluta, however, urged Nigerians to always travel to Kenya with necessary documents as any “prohibited immigrants” would be sent back to Nigeria from the airport.

He said that based on the principle of reciprocity, Kenyans were also being issued visas at Nigerian airports.

The minister counsellor said the system would facilitate movement of Nigerians to Kenya and also that of those transiting to other countries from Kenya.

He expressed optimism that the visa regime would also eliminate trade and movement barriers between African countries.

“We are looking at a future where we can trade and move freely among other African countries,” he said. (NAN)