By Chinelo Obogo
Travel professionals from Nigeria and Türkiye have jointly called for a review of the stringent visa regimes imposed by both countries.
The appeal was made during a bilateral meeting between the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) in Istanbul this week where both sides expressed frustration over current visa restrictions which they say are stifling travel and trade opportunities between both countries.
In his remarks, the Vice President of TURSAB, Mr. Davut Gunaydin, expressed concern over the low passenger traffic from Nigeria to Türkiye. Addressing the low visa approval rates for Nigerian applicants, Gunaydin explained that some Nigerians overstayed their visas but remained in the country without legal authorisation. He then requested that NANTA implement a system to screen and formally recommend Nigerian travelers applying for Türkiye visas. This measure, he said, would help reduce instances of visa overstays, which have unfortunately contributed to the current difficulties Nigerians face when applying for Türkiye visas.
He said: “We have about 6,000 visitors from Spain, about same number visitors from Italy but we are worried at the near zero tourism traffic from Nigeria with over 200 million population and noted all over the world for being one of the nations with the most travelled people. We want NANTA to help us change the tide, while we drive similar campaigns in our country for visits to Nigeria since we share strong bonds in culture, heritage tourism, and hospitality.”
NANTA led by its president, Yinka Folami, expressed happiness at the reception of the TURSAB leadership, and invited the body to its 50th anniversary next year. “This meeting is impactful and we assure you that we will reach out to our home government over the visa challenges experienced by the people of Türkiye . We also invite you and your leadership to the event,” Folami said.