I am a dreamer. I like to think I’m getting coffee from Starbucks while I’m turning my weak Nescafé in the morning and that I’m on a road trip from Austin to Lousiana when I’m actually in Lagos traffic. There are days I imagine myself in the Maldives when I’m at Oba Elegushi beach. I can’t help it, pragmatism may come in other things, but I will always have a penchant for travel. In my head, at least.
For a long time, I felt very limited by one evil, terrible thing! The bane of my travel existence. My Nigerian passport.
Don’t you just wish you could just up and go somewhere sometimes? I mean, I have saved up my pennies for this trip. Why can’t I just get a ticket? The fear of getting a “Visa Denied” stamp on your passport is the beginning of wisdom.
But, today, I’m sharing 5 beautiful, picturesque, visa-free places you can visit with your Nigerian passport.
Cape Verde
A very underrated peaceful country in Africa with islands and water as far as the eyes can see, it’s a sweet and easy destination spot for tourists. Just make sure you plan your trip when it isn’t raining on the island. Avoid times between August and October. You get a visa stamped on your passport on arrival.
Barbados
With the most beautiful beaches in the world and a chance to run into Rihanna, what’s not to love about this small country in the Caribbean? Barbados grants up to 6 months visa on arrival. It’s the same for Cape Verde. Avoid the island during the rains and you’re good to go.
Fiji Islands
No, this image isn’t from a newly discovered exotic planet, it is from Fiji. A country with a collection of nearly 330 small islands, Fiji is the real-life version of a Caribbean island fairy tale.
Many of the islands are permanently inhabited by locals. And so you get to immerse yourself fully in the culture and also enjoy one of the most amazing views you’ll probably ever see in your life.
Seychelles
This is my personal favourite. Anytime I think of a girls’ trip or a honeymoon, Seychelles comes to mind. Anytime I’m having a bad day, in fact, I pull up pictures of this Archipelago (I had to google what this means too, don’t worry) located in the Indian Ocean.
Seychelles has 115 islands with a population of less than 100,000. As a matter of fact, forget a tourist visa! I’m moving!
Seychelles is a member of the African Union and Southern African Development Community so you get a visa on arrival that lasts you for as long as 3 months.
Ghana
How can I mention a list of places to go without calling our neighbour, Ghana. Like they say, sometimes, what you’re looking for in Sokoto may be right in your Shokoto.
Ghana has a rich history much like Nigeria. The difference is, it is very well preserved. So, if you’re looking for a destination that isn’t all sand and beaches, and you actually want to explore tombs, caves, old parliament buildings, slave museums etc, Ghana is perfect. We’re practically siblings! You only need a visa stamped on your passport on arrival.
There are so many other places you can go to without the stress of visa embassies and appointments. Just do enough research on your destination of choice and plan properly.
Lastly, never be afraid to dream and explore. Travel is amazing. It makes us realise what a small place we occupy in this big, big world. Don’t be limited. Enjoy your vacation!