Nigeria and Turkiye Travel Experts Call for Visa Waivers

Strategic Insights -

Travel experts from Nigeria and Turkiye have expressed concerns about the stringent visa policies between the two countries, which have hindered trade and tourism opportunities. A joint statement by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) highlighted the need for relaxed entry regimes and visa waivers for travelers between the countries. The experts believe that such measures would boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • NANTA and TURSAB have jointly called on the governments of Nigeria and Turkiye to introduce visa waivers for travelers between the countries.
  • The two associations have proposed relaxed entry regimes for citizens of the two countries to enhance trade and tourism opportunities.
  • NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, has appealed to TURSAB to use its influence to pressure the Turkish government to relax the strict visa regime for Nigerian travelers.
  • Folami has suggested that valid visas from certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, Schengen countries, Canada, and the United States, should enable Nigerian citizens to access visa-on-arrival without stress.
  • TURSAB Vice President, Mr. Davut Gunaydin, has lamented the constraints experienced by Turkish investors and tourists wishing to visit Nigeria due to the strict visa ecosystem.
  • Gunaydin has expressed concerns about the low visitor traffic from Nigeria to Turkiye, highlighting the country's potential as a tourist destination with 36 million annual visitors.
  • The two associations have agreed to table their feedback to their relevant authorities and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner and support each other on tourism exchange visits, training, and retraining.

Statistics:

  • 36 million: The number of visitors Turkiye welcomes annually from all over the world.
  • 6,000: The number of tourists from Spain and Italy who visit Turkiye annually.
  • 200 million: The population of Nigeria.
  • 0: The number of Nigerian tourists visiting Turkiye, which has been a concern for TURSAB.

Sources:

  • National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA)
  • Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB)
  • Statement by NANTA and TURSAB in Istanbul, Turkiye