Elizabeth Agboola: How Nigerians Can Avoid Being Denied Entry at the Airport

Over the past few months, social media has been filled with stories of Nigerian travellers arriving at airports full of excitement, only to be refused entry into their preferred countries. Some had valid visas. Others were travelling to countries that Nigerians can enter without a visa or where visas are issued on arrival. Yet, instead of beginning a holiday, attending a conference, closing a business deal or visiting loved ones, they found themselves on the next available flight back home.

Every story comes with its own version of events; travellers insist they did everything right and believe they were treated unfairly. However, unless you’re standing at that immigration desk, it’s almost impossible to know exactly what happened.

So, while I don’t have a magic solution that guarantees nobody will ever be denied entry, I do have a few lessons that can help as someone who has spent years organising international group trips and working alongside embassies, airlines, tourism boards and travel partners.

So, how can someone have a valid visa and still be refused entry? or How can someone travelling to a visa-free country still be denied entry?

They’re both fair questions and, unfortunately, they’re becoming increasingly common among Nigerian travellers. The truth is, whether you’re travelling with a visa, qualifying for a visa on arrival or entering a visa-free destination, permission to travel is not the same as permission to enter. It simply allows you to present yourself at a country’s border and request admission. The immigration officer you meet on arrival still has the final authority to decide whether you can enter. That distinction is becoming more important than ever.

Across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the Middle East, border controls have become more sophisticated….