The Republic of Seychelles has enforced a travel ban specifically targeting Nigerian passport holders seeking short-term visas or planning leisure trips.
This decision was officially announced on the website of the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, which listed Nigeria among the countries deemed ineligible for such visas or vacations.
Confirmation of this ban emerged through a rejection email sent by Seychelles to a prominent travel content creator, who took to Twitter under the handle @munafromtravelletters to share a screenshot of the correspondence on Saturday.
The screenshot revealed the message: “We regret to inform you that your application has been denied, as per immigration regulation. For now, we are not accepting any NIGERIAN passport holder for holiday purposes. Kindly contact http://www.ics.gov.sc/ (Seychelles Immigration) or call 248 4 293 636 for more information.”
This decision has left numerous Nigerian travelers, eagerly anticipating their dream vacations in Seychelles, in a state of disappointment and confusion.
It comes as a surprise, especially considering that just six months ago, Nigeria and Seychelles signed an agreement establishing direct flights between the two countries, fostering a closer connection and encouraging travel between them.
Prior to this ban, Nigerian citizens enjoyed a longstanding visa-free arrangement with Seychelles, granting them the privilege of entering the country without a visa for a generous duration of 30 days. This mutually beneficial agreement has fostered tourism, cultural exchange, and economic ties between the two nations.
The sudden imposition of this travel ban has undoubtedly raised concerns and questions within both the Nigerian and Seychellois communities.
The specific reasons behind this decision remain unclear, leaving travelers and industry experts speculating about potential factors influencing the Seychellois authorities’ shift in policy.
For now, affected Nigerian passport holders are advised to seek additional information directly from Seychelles Immigration through their website or by contacting the provided phone number.