Although African Union (AU) leaders had a summit in 2015 to initiate an agenda that will improve visa policy in Africa by making all African countries visa-free for Africans, only seventeen African countries out of the fifty-four countries in Africa are visa-free for Nigerians, but even with a visa, it will still be difficult for you, as a Nigerian, to enter some of these African countries that require a visa.
‘Who them epp’ right? Right! Not visiting any African country all through your time on earth definitely won’t kill you or make you poorer. But let’s face it, if all African countries were visa-free, your adventurous spirit would have more convenient grounds to cover. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page,” says Augustine of Hippo.
Travelling, besides providing you with extra opportunities to achieve your dreams, simply enlightens you. Anyway, as a Nigerian, you may not be getting any of those benefits from these 5 African countries with the strictest visa policy for Nigerians:
Botswana
Botswana is home to a large variety of wild animals, as well as, famous landmarks like the Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and the Kalahari Desert. The country was ranked by Transparency International as Africa’s least corrupt country. The economy of Botswana is said to be well governed and among the richest in Africa.
If you want to visit this country as a Nigerian, you will have to obtain a tourist visa. Botswana’s official website clearly states “All citizens of Commonwealth countries do not require a visa except those from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.”
Libya
It is hard to be sad about this one. After all, Libya proved to be hell for many Nigerians who migrated to the country. Although the country is rich in oil and their nominal per capita GDP is one of the highest in Africa, they don’t have a stable security situation.
Libya rejects Nigerians whose motives for wanting to visit are unclear or questionable.
South Sudan
Unlike some African countries that give you visa once you arrive, South Sudan requires that you visit their embassy and apply for a visa. If your reason for traveling is deemed inappropriate or you are not carrying the acceptable documents, you will be sent back to your country.
Just like Libya, South Sudan is not really a safe country to live in, especially as a migrant.
Namibia
Namibia is famous for its coastal deserts, geographical features, and sand winds. With consistent economic growth and sparse population, Namibia has fast become one of the travel destinations in Africa that many Africans want to visit. However, their strict visa policy won’t allow you to enjoy a seamless travel process.
Swaziland
Although Swaziland is visa-free for many African countries, Nigeria is not included. On arriving Swaziland, you have to visit their embassy to apply for a tourist visa.
