Rising Airfares and Visa Restrictions Push Nigerian Tourists Toward Kenya, Mauritius, and Morocco This Summer
Story: Reported by Okafor Joseph and Rita Uzuh for SpringnewsNG Media Limited.
High international airfares, naira depreciation, and strict visa policies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States, and several European and Asian countries are reshaping Nigerian travel trends this summer. Increasingly, Nigerians are turning to African destinations like Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Rwanda, and Egypt, where visa processes are easier and travel costs are more manageable.
Many of these destinations offer visas on arrival, e-visas, or even visa-free entry, reducing the burden of foreign exchange for holidaymakers. For example, Mauritius grants Nigerian passport holders a 14-day visa-free stay, while Rwanda offers 30-day access for a $50 entry fee. Egypt provides visas on arrival for $25 or via its e-visa portal, while Qatar issues online e-visas for $28.
Travel experts note a significant decline in traffic to Dubai, once a favorite for Nigerian tourists, due to new visa restrictions. Susan Akporaiye, CEO of Topaz Travels and Tours and former president of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), told BusinessDay that summer trips to Europe and the US are “very slow” as high fares and FX rates discourage middle-class travelers.
Instead, destinations like Morocco and Egypt are gaining popularity. Royal Air Maroc has increased its weekly flights from Lagos to 10, while Morocco now offers more flexible visa options for Nigerians. The country is also boosting tourism by hosting major sports events, including the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December.
Airfares Surge Across Routes
Despite the shift to regional destinations, airfare prices remain high. Current average return economy fares from Lagos include:
- Kenya: ₦1.4 million (economy), ₦2.7 million (business)
- Mauritius: ₦2.5 million (economy), ₦5 million (business)
- Morocco (Casablanca): ₦1.7 million (economy), ₦4.5 million (business)
In contrast, long-haul routes to Europe, Dubai, and the United States are even more expensive:
- Lagos-London (Heathrow): ₦2 million (economy), ₦5 million (business)
- Lagos-Dubai: ₦1.4 million (economy), ₦4 million (business)
- Lagos-US routes: ₦2.9 million (economy), ₦6 million (business)
Travel consultant Ikechi Uko explained that while wealthy Nigerians continue to travel globally, middle-class travelers are focusing on destinations with simpler visa requirements, such as Rwanda, Kenya, Morocco, and Mauritius.
Jumoke Lawanson, communications director at PFZ Limited, added that visa accessibility is now a major driver of travel. Countries like Seychelles, Maldives, Tanzania, and even Lebanon—offering visas on arrival for as low as $8—are becoming attractive alternatives.
As high travel costs and stricter visa regimes persist, industry experts predict that intra-African tourism will continue to rise, with destinations offering simplified entry processes and competitive holiday packages attracting more Nigerian summer travelers.
