Some of the destinations being explored by Nigerians are Kenya, Morocco, Mauritius, Rwanda and Egypt.
These countries offer visas on arrival, e-visas and accept local currencies in the home countries, thereby reducing the pressure of foreign exchange crunch on Nigerian tourists and holiday makers.
“Travel to Dubai has since shifted since the United Arab Emirates came up with difficult visa conditions. The shift from popular Dubai destinations has seen increased air traffic to Egypt, Mauritius, Egypt, Morocco and Gambia. I have done quite a number of summer trips to these destinations,” said Susan Akporaiye, managing director and CEO, Topaz Travels and Tours.
Akporaiye, who was also the former president of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), told BusinessDay that summer travels to Europe and the United States are very slow because the fares and FX rates are high.
“Right now, summer is not like summer. Those travelling now are children going home alone for holidays or parents going to see their children. Everybody is managing the situation, so the traffic is really slow,” she said.
She however confirmed that there are some interests in African destinations, adding that the once-famous Dubai traffic has seen a shift to Egypt and Morocco and Qatar.
BusinessDay’s findings show that Mauritius offers visa-free entry for Nigerians, allowing a stay of up to 14 days. This Indian Ocean island nation is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. The absence of visa fees makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
Rwanda allows Nigerian passport holders to enter visa-free, although a $50 entry fee is required. Visitors can stay for up to 30 days. Known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills,’ Rwanda is celebrated for its wildlife, including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and its clean, green cities.
Qatar, on its part, offers e-visas to Nigerian travellers at $28, which must be applied for online in advance. Qatar is a Middle-Eastern destination known for its futuristic skyline, cultural landmarks like the Museum of Islamic Art.
Nigerian passport holders can obtain visas on arrival in Egypt for $25. Travellers may also apply for approval via the Egypt e-visa platform (ESIA). Egypt is a treasure trove of ancient history, home to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Nile River.
Ikechi Uko, a travel expert, told BusinessDay that while the very rich Nigerians are still traveling as if nothing happened, the large number of people who are in the lower middle class and who used to travel to Europe, Dubai and U.S have shifted to African destinations.
“A research I conducted in 2024 showed that the middle class now go to places with easier visas, which are Rwanda, Doha, Kenya, Morocco and Mauritius. And now that Kenya and Rwanda have lifted visas for Nigeria, I’m expecting that the numbers of summer travellers from Nigeria to these destinations will be very high this year,” Uko said.
He mentioned that Morocco is also doing well as the nation improved its visa regime for Nigerians.
He said Royal Air Maroc recently ramped up flights to 10-weekly flights out of Lagos and also increased movements from Abuja.
“Morocco has improved its visa on arrival for Nigerians. They hosted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) and will host Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later in December. So, Morocco will, in the next 12 months, be one of the top destinations for Nigerian travellers,” he explained.
Rising airfares
A few months ago, average cheapest airfares for a return economy class ticket from Nigeria to Kenya, Morocco, Mauritius cost between N800, 000 and N1.2 million but since the surge for summer, the fares to these destinations have seen increases.
Currently, cheapest return economy class tickets from Lagos to Kenya during the months of August and September across various airlines cost an average of N1.4 million. Also, cheapest business class tickets cost an average of N2.7 million.
Also, cheapest return economy class tickets from Lagos to Mauritius during the months of August and September across various airlines cost an average of N2.5 million. Cheapest business class tickets cost an average of N5 million.
Cheapest return economy class tickets from Lagos to Casablanca, Morocco during the months of August and September across various airlines cost an average of N1.7 million. Business class tickets cost an average of N4.5 million.
Despite the low patronage by Nigerians, airfares to popular destinations in the United States and Europe have remained high.
For Lagos-London (Heathrow) economy class return flights, the cheapest fare costs an average of N2 million across various airlines while the cheapest business class ticket costs an average of N5 million.
For the Lagos-Dubai economy class return flight, the cheapest fare costs an average of N1.4 million across various airlines while the cheapest business class ticket costs an average of N 4 million.
The cheapest economy class return ticket for the Lagos-US route between August and September across various airlines costs an average N2.9 million while cheapest business class return tickets cost an average of N 6 million.
“Egypt, Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives offer visas on arrival for Nigerians and lately travel agents are offering packages into these destinations. Visas are motivation for travel and once the destination offers great tourist attractions, and travellers can access visas, it would be a sought-after,” Jumoke Lawanson, communications director, PFZ Limited and a frequent traveller.
Lawanson said many travellers are now opting for destinations with easier visa processes such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and even South Africa and Morocco, noting that for Morocco, travellers with valid UK, US, Canadian, or Schengen visas can conveniently apply for e-visas.
She however noted that this trend is not limited to African countries as many who would have chosen Dubai before the visa restrictions are now turning to Qatar.
“Like Dubai, Qatar offers luxurious hotels and similar attractions but at a more affordable cost. Additionally, Lebanon is becoming popular as it offers visas on arrival for only $8 or less, depending on exchange rate at the time of travel,” she said.
