Why Ayra Starr’s South African Visa Was Initially Denied, According to Diplomatic Officials

Ayra Starr (Nigerian singer-songwriter)

 South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has clarified that singer Ayra Starr was initially denied an entry visa due to the submission of an invalid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Speaking in an interview, Moroe noted that the incident occurred in February 2024 rather than recently, addressing recent misinterpretations surrounding the event.

The issue re-emerged following widespread public speculation regarding the visa status of the artist and her team. In response, the South African diplomatic mission engaged with her management to outline the necessary compliance standards.

Moroe emphasized that the decision was strictly a matter of statutory health documentation requirements, dismissing claims that the refusal was linked to the artist's nationality.

‎He said, “I do not see the relevance of that rejection to the development of today, except for using that rejection to sow division.

‎“One of the challenges was that they did not submit an appropriate yellow fever certificate. They submitted the yellow fever certificate from another country when they were supposed to submit the one from their home country.

‎“Subsequently, the matter was resolved amicably, and they were granted a one-year visa to go and perform in South Africa in 2024, and I think that was what they forgot to mention.”

The Consul-General emphasized that all applicants are evaluated strictly against standard immigration requirements, regardless of their public status or background.

“If you meet the requirement for a visa, whether you are a star or not, tall, short, black or white, if you qualify, you will get it. But if you don’t, regardless of who you are, the immigration section will uphold the immigration law of the country,” he said.

The Consul-General explained that visa applicants must present all mandatory health documentation, including a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate issued by their home country, prior to entering South Africa.

This statement comes amid heightened public concern regarding reported entry restrictions for Nigerian travelers, following claims that several prominent Nigerian entertainers experienced difficulties obtaining visas.

Addressing these concerns, Moroe firmly denied assertions that South Africa has suspended visa issuance to Nigerian citizens, reiterating that all decisions are governed strictly by statutory immigration procedures.

‎He said, “Whether you are Ayra Starr or anyone, if you qualify, you will get it. The narrative that we have stopped issuing visas to Nigerians is false. We are not politicians; we don’t get into politics. Whether there is unrest or not, if you qualify for the visa, you will be given.”

Moroe also noted a steady rise in visa applications from Nigerian citizens compared to previous years.

Monthly submissions have increased from an average of 40 to 60 applications to between 60 and 80 per month.

“The visa applications have increased compared to the past. Before now, it used to be between 40 and 60 applications monthly, but now it has increased to between 60 and 80 applications monthly,” he added.

Similarly, the South African Consulate in Lagos approved entry visas on Wednesday for five Nigerian disc jockeys traveling to the country for an upcoming event.

‎One of the DJs, Solomon Akinkunmi, said, “We were five who were given visas. I was given a one-year visa, while others were given three months each.”