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Traveling across Africa should ideally be seamless, but for many Nigerians, securing visas to certain African countries can be surprisingly difficult. While some nations have embraced e-visa systems and streamlined processes, the reality is that many Nigerian applicants still face a high rate of refusals—sometimes without clear explanations.
If you’re planning a trip within the continent, here are some African countries where Nigerian travelers often experience high visa rejection rates:
South Africa:
South Africa introduced an e-visa portal to make applications more convenient. However, many Nigerian travelers report that even after submitting all the required documents, applications are often denied for vague or “invalid” reasons. Applicants still have the option of applying physically through VFS Global, but since the documents required are the same, the outcome is often no different. For many, securing a South African visa remains a major hurdle despite the digital upgrade.
Egypt:
Applying for an Egyptian visa through the embassy is known to be challenging. The rejection rate is especially high for applicants without a solid travel history. Those who have previously visited countries like the United Kingdom, United States, or Canada stand a better chance, as strong travel records seem to influence approval. First-time travelers or those without such stamps on their passports often struggle to get approval.
Zimbabwe:
Zimbabwe is another country where Nigerian applications are frequently rejected in large numbers. Even with complete documentation, many travelers have reported difficulty obtaining a visa. This makes Zimbabwe one of the tougher destinations for Nigerians to access within the region.
Morocco:
Morocco issues visas through its embassy as sticker visas, and the process has become increasingly difficult, particularly for first-time travelers. However, there is an alternative: Nigerians holding valid visas for the UK, US, Canada, Schengen countries, Japan, New Zealand, or Australia can apply for Morocco’s e-visa, which offers a smoother process and higher approval rate. For those without such visas, embassy applications remain an uphill battle.
Botswana
Though not as widely discussed, Botswana also has a high rejection rate for Nigerian passport holders. Like other countries, first-time travelers without a strong record of international trips are more likely to face refusals.
Final Thoughts
While traveling across Africa should ideally be stress-free, Nigerian passport holders continue to face significant barriers. The best way to improve your chances is by building a strong travel history with visas from countries like the US, UK, Canada, or the Schengen area. For destinations like Morocco, leveraging the e-visa route with an already valid visa from approved countries can also increase your chances of success.
At Travelafcon, we help our clients navigate these challenges by offering visa advisory, consultations, and tailored travel support to improve approval outcomes. With the right guidance and preparation, your African adventure is still within reach.
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