Visa-on-arrival has long been a convenient way for Africans, including Nigerians, to travel across borders without lengthy pre-approvals. However, in 2025, more countries are quietly phasing out visa-on-arrival privileges for African travelers.
Why the Shift?
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Security Concerns: Heightened global border security has made governments prefer pre-screened travelers.
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Immigration Pressure: Rising cases of overstays by African travelers are pushing countries to tighten entry controls.
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Digitalization: Many nations are replacing visa-on-arrival with eVisa systems, requiring online applications before arrival.
Affected Regions in 2025
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Middle East: The UAE no longer offers visa-on-arrival for many African nations; travelers must now apply for eVisas.
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Asia: Countries like Thailand have introduced stricter pre-approval requirements.
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Europe: With the introduction of ETIAS in 2025, visa-free and visa-on-arrival entries will be subject to electronic pre-screening.
What This Means for Nigerians
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More planning is required before travel.
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Travelers need to adapt to digital application systems.
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Visa consultants and agencies may play a bigger role in helping applicants navigate changing policies.
