Nigeria Is Surging The Tourism Industry With New Visa Free Entry Policy For 23 Countries Including China, South Africa , Brazil and Turkey

Friday, July 5, 2024

Nigeria, an African country on the Gulf of Guinea, has eased its visa free entry policy for 23 Countries aiming to thrive business travel along with leisure travel. Several natural landmarks and wildlife reserves. Protected areas such as Cross River National Park and Yankari National Park have waterfalls, dense rainforest, savanna and rare primate habitats. One of the most recognizable sites is Zuma Rock, a 725m-tall monolith outside the capital of Abuja that’s pictured on the national currency. GDP growth rate: 3.3% annual change (2022)

Nigeria is located on the west coast of Africa and is the most populous black country in the world, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Benin and Cameroon. Nigeria covers 356,668 sq miles (923,7770 sq kilometers). It is about the same size as California, Nevada and Utah combined.

Nigeria is characterized by three distinct climate zones, a tropical monsoon climate in the south, a tropical savannah climate for most of the central regions, and a Sahelian hot and semi-arid climate in the north of the country. This leads to a gradient of declining precipitation amounts from south to north.
The best time to go to Nigeria is during the Nov-Jan dry season. This is a huge country, however, and the climate varies hugely by latitude as well as altitude; the arid Sahel in the north sees little rainfall, beginning in April, whereas in the humid south the rains can start as early as Mar or even Feb.

FACTS ABOUT NIGERIA

• Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with over 200 million people.
• The official language of Nigeria is English, but there are over 500 indigenous languages spoken in the country.
• Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa, and the 12th largest in the world.

Economic growth in Nigeria :

Nigeria’s economy is a mixed economy and emerging market with a growing manufacturing, financial, service, communications, technology, and entertainment sectors. In the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.98% year-on-year, which is higher than the 2.31% recorded in the same quarter of 2023 but lower than the 3.46% growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. The African Development Bank Group projects that real GDP growth will remain subdued, averaging 3.3% in 2023–24.

VISA REQUIREMENT

A passport valid for six months, a visa, and proof of Polio and Yellow Fever vaccinations are required to enter Nigeria. You must obtain your Nigerian visa from a Nigerian embassy or consulate in advance of your travel. What does “Visa on Arrival” mean in Nigeria? Nigeria’s “Visa on Arrival” requires pre-approval.

You must have a visa to enter Nigeria as a visitor. Get your visa before travelling. Some business travellers are eligible to apply for a visa on arrival. Check the visa conditions from Nigerian Immigration Services.

• Diplomatic or service passport holders of the following countries do not need a visa to enter the country:
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Namibia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
• Public affairs passport holders from China do not need a visa to enter and stay in the country

Here’s the list of countries which are allowed E-Visa access to Nigeria :

As of 2024, regular passport holders from 17 countries visiting Nigeria for tourism purposes including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire Do Not require a visa and will be granted permission for short-term stay on arrival.

To enter Nigeria for a short term visit, citizens of the following countries are able to travel in Nigeria without a visa:

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Chad
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Liberia
• Mali
• Niger
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Guinea-Bissau

In 2022, Niger and Benin were the most common countries of origin of tourists in Nigeria, with 16 percent and seven percent of the total arrivals that year, respectively
In 2022, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in tourist arrivals, with the number reaching approximately 6.1 million. This marks a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on global travel. The tourism sector in Nigeria has been gradually growing, and it is projected to continue this trend, with expectations to reach 6.7 million tourist arrivals by 2026.

Here are the top 5 luxury hotels in Nigeria based on reviews and ratings:

1. Transcorp Hilton Abuja: This hotel is renowned for its excellent service, top-quality food, and luxurious accommodations. It is a favorite among travelers for its professional staff and high standards.
2. Lagos Continental Hotel: Located in Lagos, this hotel offers spacious and clean rooms with comfortable beds and excellent breakfast options. It is highly praised for its overall room quality and hospitality.
3. Fraser Suites Abuja: Known for its serene environment and top-notch amenities, Fraser Suites offers a home-away-from-home experience with cozy rooms, a well-equipped gym, and a relaxing pool area.
4. Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos, V.I.: This hotel is noted for its high standards, friendly staff, and clean, accommodating rooms. Guests appreciate the nice breakfast and the beautiful view from the hotel.
5. Radisson Blu Hotel, Lagos Ikeja: With excellent facilities and lovely ambiance, this hotel is popular for its restaurant, clean rooms, and comprehensive conference amenities. It is highly recommended for both business and leisure stays.

AIRPORT :

Top 5 Airports in Nigeria :

1. Murtala Muhammed International Airport:
   
   Murtala Muhammed International Airport is Nigeria’s Busiest and largest international airport located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, and is the major airport serving the entire state. It consists of an international and a domestic terminal, located about one kilometre from each other. Both terminals share the same runways.it consists of an international and a domestic terminal, located about one kilometre from each other.
   
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

• Overview: Located in the capital city, it is the second busiest airport in Nigeria, catering to a high volume of both international and domestic traffic.
• Highlights: Modern facilities, recent upgrades, and a key hub for government and diplomatic travel.

3. Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt

• Overview: Serving the oil-rich region of Nigeria, this airport is crucial for both business and leisure travelers heading to the Niger Delta.
• Highlights: Significant passenger traffic, improved infrastructure, and essential services for the petroleum industry.

4. Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu

• Overview: An important airport in southeastern Nigeria, providing international and regional connections.
• Highlights: Upgraded facilities, growing passenger numbers, and pivotal for connecting the southeastern region with the rest of the world.

5. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano

• Overview: One of Nigeria’s oldest airports, it serves the northern region and has a rich history of international operations.
• Highlights: Key hub for northern Nigeria, ongoing modernization efforts, and historical significance in Nigerian aviation.

Top 5 Airlines in Nigeria :

Air Peace : Air Peace Limited is a private Nigerian airline founded in 2013 with its head office in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria,[1] and the largest airline of Nigeria and West Africa.

Arik Air : Arik Air is a Nigerian airline operating mainly from two hubs at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Dana Air : Dana Air is a Nigerian airline headquartered in Ikeja, in the southwest of the country, and based in Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Azman Air : Azman Air Services Limited is a Nigerian-based domestic airline company. Established in 2010 by businessman Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, the airline operates scheduled domestic passenger services with its main base in Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

Max Air : Max Air is a Nigerian airline operating domestic and international flights. Established in 2008 by Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, the company’s head office is located in Kano State with its base at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.It Serves key Nigerian cities and offers special charter services for religious pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. Recognized for its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction

What is Nigeria’s main source of income?
Oil Sector
The oil sector provides for 95% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and 80% of its budgetary revenues. Note: Top 3 trade partners are calculated by imports + exports

What are Nigerians famous for?
Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and now has the continent’s biggest economy – earning us our famous sobriquet, “The Giant of Africa”. Glittering examples of Nigerian success can be seen in the literary world, international music charts and throughout the diaspora

What do Nigerians do for fun?
In Nigeria, soccer is the most popular sport and is often played by teenage boys and girls. While movie theaters are less common, teenagers like gathering to watch movies and television. Nigerians also enjoy traditional music and dance, which are incorporated into celebrations and special occasions.

Top 5 Tourist Spots in Nigeria

1. Yankari National Park : Located in Bauchi State, Yankari National Park is Nigeria’s premier wildlife reserve. It boasts diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and various bird species, along with natural warm water springs.
2. Olumo Rock : Situated in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olumo Rock is a significant historical and cultural site. It served as a refuge during wartime in the 19th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding city from its summit.
3. Obudu Mountain Resort : Nestled in the highlands of Cross River State, Obudu Mountain Resort is known for its picturesque scenery and temperate climate. Visitors can enjoy cable car rides, a water park, and various outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching.
4. Lekki Conservation Centre : Located in Lagos, the Lekki Conservation Centre is a 78-hectare nature reserve. It features a canopy walkway, the longest in Africa, and provides a serene escape for nature lovers with its diverse flora and fauna.
5. Nike Art Gallery : Situated in Lagos, Nike Art Gallery is one of the largest art galleries in West Africa. It showcases a vast collection of contemporary and traditional African art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles, and serves as a cultural hub for art enthusiasts.

Beyond the well-known attractions, the visa-free program also encourages travelers to venture off the beaten path and immerse themselves in the local way of life. From vibrant local markets to traditional festivals and ceremonies, Nigeria’s cultural richness is sure to captivate and inspire visitors.

As Nigeria continues to embrace the opportunities presented by the visa-free travel program, the country is poised to become an increasingly popular destination for global explorers. By removing barriers to entry and showcasing the nation’s remarkable diversity, Nigeria is inviting the world to discover the true heart of West Africa.

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