- The UK has introduced new entry clearance requirements for Nigeria and 32 other African countries
- Travellers without valid documents may face delays or denied boarding
- The Home Office said the move is aimed at strengthening immigration control
The United Kingdom has updated its travel rules, requiring citizens of Nigeria and 32 other African countries to obtain entry clearance before travelling to or passing through the UK.
The revised directive was contained in new immigration guidance released by the UK Home Office, which advised travellers to verify that they meet all visa requirements before making travel arrangements, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
EDITOR’S PICK
- 175th Kayokayo Festival Grand Finale: Epe Celebrates 175 Years of Faith, Heritage, Unity and Prosperity
- Wale Raji Reaffirms Commitment at KayoKayo Finale
- India: Massive Garbage Heap Collapse Kills Nine Workers at Waste-to-Energy Plant
According to the guidance, passengers who fail to secure the required documentation before departure may experience delays, be denied boarding by airlines or face other travel disruptions.
The Home Office stated that nationals of more than 100 countries and territories must continue to obtain a visa before entering the UK for visits lasting up to six months unless they qualify for an exemption under existing immigration rules.
The requirement also extends to certain travellers transiting through British airports, depending on their nationality and travel circumstances.
In addition, the guidance states that stateless persons and individuals travelling with documents other than officially recognised national passports or identity cards must obtain entry clearance before arriving in the UK.
British authorities said the revised measures are aimed at strengthening border security, improving immigration compliance and ensuring travellers satisfy entry requirements before departure.
The African countries affected by the policy include Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
FURTHER READING
