The Republic of Turkey has barred Nigerian visa applicants access to the e-visa provision, but have been given an alternative to apply via any Turkish Consultant.
According to Leadership Newspaper the information was gathered on Thursday from prospective applicants about the unexpected change by the Turkish Mission in Nigeria without any prior notice or communication to Nigerians.
Picture Credit: Encyclopedia Britannica
The decision may have been made following the perpetual terrorist attacks that have been occurring in Nigeria and also the high security alert that followed the attack on Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, where dangerous criminals and terrorists were freed.
READ MORE: US Embassy Announce No-Interview Visa Renewals for Nigerian Students
An affected Turkish e-visa applicant told source:
“Just putting this out there. Someone out there with a Schengen /UK/US visa might be booking a ticket to Turkey right now thinking they will apply for a visa electronically. DO NOT. Turkey decided to delist Nigerians from the e-visa list yesterday evening. With no prior warning/ communication. They clearly don’t rate us. Anyway, all Nigerians have to apply via the consulate wherever they are.
Turns out so many people were planning to go to Turkey soon. Honestly, just apply through the consulate. There is still no information online. No press release, nothing! They are disrespectful. An agent told me she applied on behalf of someone yesterday and within the space of 5 minutes the message on the site had changed. Apparently, it has something to do with the “prison break”/ concerns of terrorism.
Unfortunately, nationals of the country that you selected are not eligible for e-visa. Kindly visit the nearest Turkish mission to apply for a visa application. Please visit http:www.visa.gov.tr for the full list of the Turkish Embassies and Consulates,” the message said.
Another Nigerian whose application was apparently rejected and his payment refunded posted a message he allegedly received from the Turkish authorities.
The message read:
“We regret to inform you that we are unable to process your application this time. Please refer to the Government website where you will be able to apply for your electronic travel documents as there will be some additional information you will be required to enter.
The total cost of your application (158 Dollars) has been refunded in compliance with our Refund Policy As your application cannot be processed.
The total amount has been refunded directly to the same method of payment used to hire your professional services. No further action on your part is required at this point.
Depending on your bank you will receive the refund between 1 and 10 business days. In the unlikely event that you have not received the refund after this time frame, you may contact us for assistance by replying to this mail.”
As a result of these security treats a lot of counties have warned their citizens not to travel to Nigeria for now, including the state’s capital Abuja.
