Editor,

I want to react to the letter, "Reconsider visa fees for foreigners” (written by Mark Neil in The New Times, January 3)

I would like to ask Mr. Neil if he has any idea of how much Rwandans pay for a US visa and the long procedure involved for one to get a response...has he also thought of how non-Americans, especially Africans, are put aside for inquiries after landing in America?

I do not agree with him that one can change his flight/vacation plans because of $30 that is charged for the visa to Rwanda. In fact, Rwanda is the best as far as minimising time at arrival terminal worldwide.

Herbie

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I recognise how difficult it can be for visitors to the USA to obtain a visa, and was neither justifying nor defending that regrettably long and expensive endeavour, nor the process that sometimes adds additional screening upon arrival, as Herbie points out (having just experienced all of that with a dear Rwandan friend who visited us here over the holidays).

My main point is that Rwanda, as its own stated national priority, wants to encourage and grow tourism, and it can (regrettably) be sometimes scary for newcomers to visit Africa (an often irrational concern which is in my experience always allayed upon visiting—in fact, everyone so far has wanted to return).

For this reason the fewer barriers to tourism—even if viewed by some as minor and inexpensive—the better. And Rwanda does a world-class job at very many aspects of this, as I point out in my previous letter (reinforcing Herbie’s point about efficiency at Kigali International Airport).

But to me at least, it was always a major selling point to friends and colleagues when extolling the (many) advantages to visiting Rwanda that "and Rwanda doesn't even require visas for Americans to visit for up to 90 days!”

As I point out in my letter, I'm not sure (and time and tourism numbers will surely tell) if the trade-offs (e.g., longer queues and delays at the immigration desk, etc.) to be able to collect $30 per tourist is worth it.

I am not in a position to address some commentators’ opinions regarding multilateralism under an East African treaty. I just wonder why that wasn't an issue before the previous "90 days, no visa necessary” policy was changed.

Also, it strikes me that, while countries often enter into the bilateral treaties that they describe to waive visa fees for citizens of each other's country, such a treaty is of course not mandatory.

A country like Rwanda, in keeping with its sovereignty, can certainly decide to unilaterally waive such fees in its sole discretion (barring any applicable treaty obligations to the contrary, of course).

Thank you everyone for your comments. My objective in writing was to generate thoughts and ideas on the subject, and I'm grateful for your views. Personally, I plan to continue visiting Rwanda as often as I am able—$30 visa or not.

Mark Neil