The government of Seychelles has banned Nigerian passport holders from visiting the country for holiday purposes.
The country’s border security confirmed the development to TheCable on Sunday.
@munafromtravelletters, a Twitter user and travel content creator, had on Saturday shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a Seychelles’ visa application rejection email.
“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,” the screenshot reads.
“Kindly contact http://www.ics.gov.sc/ (Seychelles Immigration) or call 248 4 293 636 for more information.”
Speaking with TheCable through its customer support service, the Seychelles government corroborated the travel content creator’s screenshot without giving reasons for the ban.
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“Yes, but no further information is available at this time,” the border security said.
In December 2022, Nigeria and Seychelles signed a pact that would enable direct flights between the two countries.
Hadi Sirika, then minister of aviation, and Anthony Derjacques, the Seychelles’ minister of transport, both agreed that the pact would promote the African Union agenda 2063 while enhancing business, and promoting tourism.
Before the ban, Nigeria had a long-standing visa-free agreement with Seychelles which allows Nigerian citizens free entry without a visa for 30 days.
The ban placement elicited mixed reactions from social media users, with many lamenting the increase in foreign bans against Nigerian passport holders.
Seychelles is just 107.4 thousand population. Seychelles population isn't not up to ijebu igbo in Ogun state. Today. Seychelles place a ban on Nigeria passport because Emeka & Chinedu was caught with drugs. South Africa. Malaysia. Indonesia. India don't want us in their country… pic.twitter.com/SC8CEnZ2ZN
— IFÁ FUNSHO 𓋹 (@funshographix) July 9, 2023
Seychelles had imposed ban on Nigerian passport holders. Small Seychelles in Africa o. Looooool. 9ja which way? pic.twitter.com/Hoz0s1rew8
— Dr Penking™🇳🇬🇦🇺 (@drpenking) July 9, 2023
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
