Why Ayra Starr’s South African Visa Application Was Rejected – Consul-General

The South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has clarified the circumstances surrounding Nigerian singer Ayra Starr’s previous visa rejection, stating that the decision was based on an invalid yellow fever vaccination certificate and had nothing to do with her nationality or status as a celebrity.

Moroe explained that the incident occurred in February 2024, contrary to recent reports suggesting that the singer and members of her team had recently been denied entry visas to South Africa.

Speaking in an interview with a national newspaper, the diplomat said the visa application initially failed because the yellow fever certificate submitted by the singer’s team did not meet the required conditions.

According to him, the certificate presented was issued by another country instead of the appropriate certificate expected from the applicants’ home country.

He said the matter was subsequently addressed after South African officials engaged with Ayra Starr’s team and explained the documentation required for the visa application.

Moroe disclosed that the issue was eventually resolved and Ayra Starr and her team were granted one-year visas to enable the singer to travel to South Africa for performances in 2024.

The Consul-General stressed that South African immigration authorities apply the same requirements to all applicants, regardless of their profession, popularity or nationality.

He dismissed suggestions that Ayra Starr had been targeted because she is Nigerian, insisting that visa applications are determined by whether applicants satisfy the country’s immigration requirements.

Moroe also rejected claims that South Africa had stopped granting visas to Nigerians.

He said Nigerian applicants who meet the necessary requirements would continue to receive visas, adding that the South African mission does not base visa decisions on political considerations.

The diplomat further revealed that the number of visa applications from Nigerians had actually increased in recent months. He said applications that previously averaged between 40 and 60 per month had risen to approximately 60 to 80 applications monthly.

His comments come amid renewed concerns over reports that some Nigerian entertainers have experienced difficulties obtaining South African visas.

Meanwhile, the South African Consulate in Lagos recently issued visas to five Nigerian disc jockeys who are scheduled to travel to South Africa for an event.

One of the DJs, Solomon Akinkunmi, confirmed that all five applicants were granted visas. He said he received a one-year visa, while the other four were issued visas valid for three months.

The latest clarification from the South African mission therefore suggests that Ayra Starr’s 2024 visa issue was primarily a matter of documentation and compliance with immigration requirements, rather than a restriction placed on Nigerian entertainers.