Ethiopia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have revoked previous visa privileges enjoyed by Nigerian passport holders, including visa-on-arrival, e-visa services, and outright passport issuance.

Ethiopia recently suspended its visa-on-arrival policy for Nigerians, along with travelers from 41 other countries. This decision follows Ethiopian Airlines’ acquisition of a majority stake in Nigeria Air just two weeks ago.

In a circular by Ethiopian Airlines titled “No More Visa on Arrival for Nigerian Citizens,” it stated that Nigerians must now obtain visas from the Ethiopian Embassy in Abuja before traveling.

The circular emphasized exceptions for passengers transiting overnight through Addis Ababa to destinations like Zanzibar, Seychelles, and Cape Town.

For Turkey, diplomatic passport holders from Nigeria can still enter visa-free for up to 90 days, but ordinary and official passport holders now require a visa.

Meanwhile, the UAE continues to uphold its visa-on-arrival policy for Nigerian citizens, but Nigeria is excluded from the list of countries eligible for an electronic visa (e-Visa). Nigerian travelers to the UAE still need to apply for a regular visa before departure.

In 2022, the UAE placed a ban on entry for Nigerians and citizens of other African countries into its capital city, Dubai. Despite efforts by the Nigerian government, the visa restriction remains unresolved.

Nigeria’s aviation minister, Festus Keyamo,has indicated optimism about the UAE lifting its ban on Nigerians by October, although uncertainties remain.

Similarly, Ethiopia ceased issuing visa-on-arrival to Nigerians two years ago and has not reversed this decision.
Airlines have since advised passengers to obtain visas from the Ethiopian embassy in Abuja before travel.