Nigerian visa applicants to the Republic of Turkey have been been experiencing challenges accessing electronic visa on arrival at the country, The New Diplomat has learnt.
While the development remains sketchy as of press time, it was gathered that the challenges began on Friday when some applicants were declined visa application and instead advised to apply via any Turkish Consulate.
Some applicants who spoke with the members of the press said the development came too sudden as their was no prior notice or communication from the Turkish Mission in Nigeria.
One of the affected Nigerians in a message said it appears the decision was taken following the incessant terrorist attacks in Nigeria and the high security alert that followed the attacks on the Custodial Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, where some terrorist elements were among those released to the society from the centre.
“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 are/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 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.”
However, the Nigerian-Turkey Business Council Chairman, Dele Oye esq, in a statement he personally signed said it was not only Nigerians experiencing the challenge of accessing an electronic visa on arrival to Turkey but all African countries.
According to him, the problem was caused by some technical issues rather than speculations that Nigeria was delisted because of the rise in terrorism.
However, he assured that measures have been put in place to resolve the impasse. He also advised that anyone who has no urgent need to travel should reschedule for a future date.
The statement reads in parts: “We wish to bring to the attention of the Members of the Nigeria-Türkiye Business Council of the difficulties in accessing the Republic of Türkiye E-visa/ Visa on arrival platforms by Nigerians (and also in all other African Countries), due to temporary technical challenges.
“Kindly be rest assured that all measures have been put in place to resolve this issue.
“For those who have no urgent reasons to travel to the Republic of Türkiye, kindly avoid applying for visas directly to the Republic of Turkey to avoid unnecessary delays.”
