Ethiopia, UAE, and Turkey End Visa-on-Arrival and E-Visa for Nigerians

Nigerian passport holders are facing more travel restrictions as Ethiopia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken away previous benefits like visa-on-arrival, e-visas, and direct passport issues.

Turkey: Nigerians can no longer get visa-on-arrival, which used to be easy to obtain.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Since 2022, the UAE has banned Nigerians and some other African nationals from entering Dubai. 

Despite efforts by the Nigerian government, the ban is still in place. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the ban might be lifted in October, but it’s not certain yet.

Ethiopia: Two years ago, Ethiopia stopped giving visa-on-arrival to Nigerians. 

This rule has not changed. Airlines have been advising passengers to get their visas from the Ethiopian embassy in Abuja before traveling.

Bolanle Olukanni, daughter of former Nigerian Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, shared on social media that her retired ambassador father and mother were denied visas because officials feared they wouldn’t return. 

She expressed frustration over the treatment of her father’s long service to Nigeria.

Visa applications to South Africa have also been affected, with many Nigerians experiencing delays and denials. 

The number of study visas issued to Nigerians dropped last year for the first time in three years, based on data from the US Department of State.

The Henley Passport Index recently ranked Nigeria’s passport among the 20 worst in 2023, with visa-free access to only 46 countries. 

Other countries with worse passports include South Sudan, Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Kosovo, Libya, and Sri Lanka.

Visa-on-Arrival Industry Insights

Bankole Bernard, head of Finchglow Holdings, said the problem is not that foreign countries dislike Nigeria but that the visa documentation process needs to be done correctly. 

He stressed the importance of knowledgeable agencies handling visa applications.

Susan Akporaiye, former president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), acknowledged that despite the challenges, many Nigerians are successful abroad. 

She urged the foreign affairs department to work harder to reduce visa denials and emphasized the need for Nigerians to follow the proper procedures when relocating.