Nigerians seeking visas to the Republic of Turkey are not permitted to use the e-visa features and are instead instructed to apply at any Turkish Consulate.
The Turkish Mission in Nigeria gave no previous notice or other communications regarding the abrupt change, according to a report by LEADERSHIP newspaper.
However, it appears that the choice was made in response to the frequent terrorist attacks in Nigeria as well as the heightened security alert that followed the Tuesday attacks on the Kuje Custodial Center in Abuja, where some terrorist components were among those who were released from the center.
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One of the affected Nigerians noted in a viral message;
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. DONOT. 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.
Earlier, governments of the United States and the United Kingdom on Wednesday issued separate security advisories to their citizens in Nigeria following the Kuje prison attack.
The U.S. government told its citizens to expect an increase in crime in and around Abuja.
The advisory on its website said.
It is recommended that U.S. citizens should maintain a high state of personal security awareness for the next two weeks and avoid unnecessary travel on the airport road.
It added that crime is endemic throughout Nigeria and tends to spike after dark.
The U.S. advised Americans to avoid locations and situations that increase the likelihood of being victimised.
“Avoid displays of valuables and limit nighttime activity.”
Similarly, the UK government asked its citizens to “be extra vigilant if in the area.”
