Tourists and travel experts are calling on the Nigerian government to further ease the Visa on Arrival (VoA) process to enhance tourism and facilitate smoother entry for visitors. In March 2017, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) introduced the system to attract foreign Investors by streamlining entry for eligible individuals. Despite reductions in visa costs, concerns remain regarding other restrictive conditions attached to the process, including the requirement for pre-approval letters from the Nigeria Immigration Service, proof of high net worth or frequent travel history, and extensive documentation before arrival.
However, these high costs of obtaining the travel permit on arrival made Nigeria less competitive than other nations, while the application process posed challenges that deterred tourists and investors. Travel experts argue that further easing these requirements will make the country a more attractive destination. Countries like Rwanda, Benin, and The Gambia have already fully liberalised their VoA policies for Africans, and Ghana is set to implement a visa-free entry policy for African travellers in 2025. Experts suggest that Nigeria should consider removing barriers such as the high net worth requirement and pre-approval letters.
Need for more hotels to boost tourism and global competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has several tourist attractions, but its hospitality Infrastructure needs improvement to accommodate an influx of visitors. Industry stakeholders have pointed out the necessity of increasing the number of standard hotels, particularly in the three-star to five-star categories. While many bed-and-breakfast facilities and short-let accommodations are available, the nation still lags in developing internationally recognised hotel brands that can cater to a growing number of foreign tourists. The hotel demand is particularly pressing in cities that host major events, such as Calabar, which attracts thousands of visitors annually for its famous Calabar Festival.
To address this gap, the Cross River State Government has committed to building four hotels in Calabar by December 2025. In the meantime, residents have been encouraged to continue renting out their homes to accommodate the festival’s visitors. Key tourist destinations such as Ikogosi Warm Spring and Obudu Cattle Ranch already possess natural attractions but require further infrastructural development to maximise their potential. The takeover of Nike Lake Resort by a reputable private company is seen as a step in the right direction, as Private Sector Investment in the hospitality sector has successfully transformed other locations, such as beach resorts in Lagos.
Decline in international travel and shifting tourism trends.
Recent trends indicate a decline in international travel due to rising costs and stricter visa regulations. The high cost of international flights has made it difficult for many Nigerians to travel abroad, impacting migration rates and reducing organisational staff turnover. Additionally, economic challenges in foreign countries have led to financial difficulties for many Nigerians who previously relocated, causing some to return home. As fewer travel overseas, this leads to an increase in domestic and regional tourism. Many people now opt for interstate travel within the country or road travel across West Africa.
Hotels in major cities across the southern part of the country were fully booked during the holiday season, reflecting a growing trend of domestic tourism where citizens choose to spend vacations within their localities. The shift toward local and regional tourism presents an opportunity to harness tourism potential for economic growth. By making strategic policy adjustments, including further liberalising the VoA process and improving hospitality infrastructure, Nigeria can be a leading travel destination in Africa. Tourism has the potential to generate foreign exchange and create thousands of jobs, provided that the right policies and investments are implemented.
Related Article: Visa denials and travel barriers in Nigeria
Lastly, Visa on Arrival allows travellers to obtain a permit upon entry into a country without needing prior application. But, Nigeria’s VoA policy differs from the standard system used by other countries. To qualify, travellers must secure pre-approval from a local embassy or consulate before arrival. This process is primarily reserved for business travellers, which limits its accessibility to general tourists. Therefore, to stand as a global tourism hub, reassessing this system is necessary to make it more inclusive.