The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has firmly dismissed circulating reports suggesting a visa ban on Nigerian passport holders. This development comes in response to growing concerns among Nigerians over their travel privileges to various countries.
Rumors emerged on Thursday, indicating that Ethiopia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates had revoked specific privileges for Nigerian passport holders, including visa-on-arrival, e-visa services, and even outright passport rejections.
Addressing these concerns, Evelyn Wunmi, the Personal Secretary to the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, categorically stated that there is no visa ban on Nigerian citizens. Speaking during a media interaction, Wunmi emphasized that any updates regarding visa policies and procedures would be communicated officially through the respective foreign ministries and embassy statements.
“Visa applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis,” Wunmi noted, explaining that instances of visa rejections often involve fraudulent activities or forged documents. She reassured that there have been no changes in Turkey’s visa policies towards Nigerians.
This clarification is crucial as Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, struggles with a weak passport. The Nigerian passport is currently ranked as the fifth-worst in Africa, tied with South Sudan, and only ranking above Congo, Eritrea, Sudan, Libya, and Somalia in terms of travel freedom.
The embassy’s statement aims to dispel fears and misinformation, reinforcing that Turkey remains open to Nigerian travelers who meet the necessary visa requirements. The focus remains on ensuring that all applications are processed with due diligence, maintaining the integrity of the visa issuance process.
For Nigerian citizens, the embassy’s assurance comes as a relief amid ongoing challenges with international travel. The stringent measures against fraudulent documentation underscore the importance of submitting genuine and accurate information during the visa application process.
The Turkish Embassy’s clarification reaffirms its commitment to fostering diplomatic relations with Nigeria and facilitating travel for its citizens. The embassy urges all prospective travelers to rely on official channels for updates and to adhere strictly to the visa application guidelines to avoid any inconveniences.
As the situation stands, there is no cause for alarm regarding visa restrictions, and Nigerians can continue to plan their travels to Turkey with confidence.
