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Nigeria-Türkiye Visa Relaxation: Agent's lifes to be eased Nigeria-Türkiye Visa Relaxation: Agent's lifes to be eased

Nigerian and Turkish travel agents are poised to benefit significantly from a groundbreaking partnership between the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB). This collaboration aims to ease stringent visa regulations between the two nations, unlocking substantial opportunities for the African travel market.

A recent meeting in Istanbul between NANTA and TURSAB addressed the challenges faced by travelers from both countries. The discussions focused on simplifying visa procedures, particularly for those holding valid visas from countries like the UK, Schengen area, Canada, and the US. This potential change could dramatically increase tourism flow and open up new avenues for African travel businesses.

NANTA President Yinka Folami and TURSAB Vice President Davut Gunaydin emphasized the importance of boosting tourism between Nigeria and Türkiye. Despite Türkiye’s popularity as a global tourist destination, Nigerian visitor numbers remain relatively low. The proposed visa relaxations aim to change this, creating a more accessible and attractive travel corridor between the two countries.

Turkish Airlines, the official partner airline for NANTA’s 50th-anniversary celebration in 2026, will play a pivotal role in facilitating this increased tourism flow. The airline’s extensive network, connecting Istanbul to major cities in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, provides a seamless travel experience. This partnership underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and Türkiye.

The collaboration between NANTA and TURSAB extends beyond visa reforms. Both organizations are working towards a memorandum of understanding to promote tourism exchange visits, training programs, and joint marketing initiatives. This strategic partnership aims to foster stronger ties between the two countries and create a more vibrant and interconnected travel market.

To address concerns about visa overstays by Nigerian visitors, NANTA has proposed profiling and recommending trustworthy travelers. This proactive approach aims to build trust and facilitate smoother visa processing, ensuring a more positive and sustainable travel experience for all.

The potential economic impact of these changes is substantial. Increased tourism between Nigeria and Türkiye will generate revenue for travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and other related businesses. This boost in economic activity will benefit both countries and contribute to the growth of the African tourism sector.

Travel agents are encouraged to capitalize on these developments by creating attractive travel packages that showcase the best of both Nigeria and Türkiye. By highlighting the simplified visa procedures, diverse cultural experiences, and convenient flight options, agents can attract a larger clientele and maximize their profit potential.

The data reveals a compelling growth story. Between 2008 and 2018, Nigerian visitor numbers to Türkiye saw a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%, reaching a peak of 45,768 visitors in 2018. With the projected visa relaxations, this growth trajectory is expected to accelerate significantly, potentially tripling visitor numbers by 2030 under an aggressive growth scenario.

This collaboration between NANTA and TURSAB marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Türkiye relations. By fostering stronger ties through tourism, both countries are creating a more interconnected and prosperous future. African travel agents are uniquely positioned to leverage these developments, unlocking new opportunities and contributing to the growth of the continent’s travel industry.