THE United States had a visa reciprocity challenge with Russia. But after engagements, both countries came to an agreement to reduce the visa fees.
With effect from March 4, the agreement between Moscow and Washington led to Russians and Americans paying less for visas.
The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a statement announcing the new development, said: “An agreement has been reached with the US to restore the application fee of $160 for all types of visas issued in accordance with the 2011 bilateral agreement easing visa restrictions,” the statement reads.
The ministry added that the development is “a good example of mutually beneficial cooperation, which will help boost business, humanitarian, cultural and tourism ties between the two countries’ people”.
In January, an additional fee of $143 for tourist and business visas for Russian citizens was introduced.
“We consider it to be a positive step that will facilitate business and tourism ties between our countries,” said spokesperson for the US embassy in Moscow Andrea Kalan.
Now as part of the deal, the United States and Russia issue mostly three-year multiple-entry visas to each other’s citizens.
Kalan said: “The parties have agreed to issue mostly three-year multiple-entry visas,” she said, commenting on an agreement Washington and Moscow made to reduce application fees for all types of visas to $160 starting on March 4.
“People-to-people diplomacy increases understanding between our countries through the trips our citizens make and creates a wide range of possibilities for cooperation.”
For Nigerians, it will be cheery news if Abuja engages Washington meaningful and both parties cut the visa fees. It will also not be a bad idea if like Russians, Nigerians can get three-year multiple-entry visas.
The ball seems to be in Abuja’s court. Will it go the Moscow way?
Q & A
Why are Nigerian citizens being charged an extra fee to get a visa? What is reciprocity?
The United States requires citizens of countries that charge higher visa fees than those charge to U.S. citizens for a commensurate visa to pay a nonimmigrant visa issuance fee, or reciprocity fee, after their application is approved.
The fees are based on the principle of reciprocity. U.S. law requires that we treat citizens of other countries the same as those other countries treat U.S. citizens, with respect to the fees and validity periods associated with nonimmigrant visas. Reciprocity fees are enacted when a foreign government charges higher fees to U.S. citizens for certain types of visas.
The government of Niger currently charges additional fees to U.S. citizens applying for visas to Nigeria, resulting in a non-reciprocal arrangement between Nigerian citizens and U.S. citizens. After over eighteen months of negotiations, the government of Nigeria did not change its fee structure for U.S. citizen visa applicants in accordance with Section 281 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This section of the law provides that the Department of State establish visa fees corresponding to the total of all visa, entry, residence, or other similar fees, taxes, or charges assessed or levied against nationals of the United States.
Are only Nigerian citizens required to pay a reciprocity fee to get a U.S. visa?
No. The U.S. Department of State reviews the amounts charged by foreign governments to U.S. citizens for their visa applications on a regular basis, and adjusts our fee schedules accordingly.
The current reciprocity fee schedule for citizens of all countries can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html
What is the difference between the reciprocity fee and the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee)?
The nonimmigrant visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, is a nonrefundable fee paid by most applicants for U.S. visas, whether the application is approved or refused. It covers the total costs associated with processing a U.S. visa application, from registration, to biometric collection, to courier services for passport delivery, among other costs.
While all visa applicants are required to pay the MRV fee each time they apply for a visa, the reciprocity fee is only charged to approved nonimmigrant visa applications for citizens of certain countries.
How do I pay the new reciprocity fee? Can I pay in advance?
Payment for the new reciprocity fee can only be made after a consular officer has interviewed an applicant and approved their application.
When the application has been approved, the applicant must pay the fee using cash, in Naira or U.S. dollars equivalent, corresponding to the current exchange rate as dictated by the Embassy or Consular cashier. Payment must be made at the cashier window located inside the waiting room of the Embassy or Consulate where applicants are interviewed.
It is very important that applicants only pay the fee at the cashier window within the Embassy or Consulate after a nonimmigrant visa application has been approved.
What if an applicant’s visa application is approved, but the applicant cannot pay the reciprocity fee on the day of their interview?
We recommend that applicants come to their interview prepared to pay the reciprocity fee. Applicants whose nonimmigrant applications are approved will be given instructions on how to return to the Embassy or Consulate to pay the required fee within five business days. The visa will not be issued or printed until the reciprocity fee is paid.
Can Nigerian citizens apply for a visa in a different country to avoid paying the reciprocity fee?
No. The reciprocity fee applies to all Nigerian citizens, regardless of where in the world they are applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States.
Can Nigerians pay one reciprocity fee for all applicants in their group?
No. The reciprocity fee applies to each individual application, regardless of how many travelers apply for the same purpose of travel. Applicants of all ages are required to pay the fees, both minors and adults
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