Uzbekistan Introduces Temporary Visa Restrictions On Nigerians, No Official Explanation Issued

Uzbekistan has reportedly introduced temporary restrictions on visa issuance and entry for Nigerian citizens, although no formal public statement explaining the measures has been issued by the country’s government.

A notice published on the website of the Green Energy Technologies Central Asia (GETCA) exhibition indicates that temporary restrictions have been placed on the issuance of visas and entry into Uzbekistan for Nigerian nationals.

The notice states, “Temporary restrictions have currently been introduced on the issuance of visas and entry into the Republic of Uzbekistan for citizens of your country.”

It further advises Nigerians seeking entry under exceptional circumstances to contact the consular section of the Embassy of Uzbekistan for clarification and further guidance.

LEADERSHIP reports that Nigeria is, however, not the only country listed under the temporary restrictions on the exhibition’s website. Other countries mentioned include Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Iraq and Bangladesh.

As of Friday, there was no formal public statement specifically explaining the reported restrictions on the website of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although the ministry’s general visa information page outlines entry and visa arrangements for foreign nationals, it does not provide specific details about the reported restrictions affecting Nigerian citizens.

LEADERSHIP writes that the development could further affect Nigerians planning to travel to Uzbekistan for tourism, business, education and other purposes.

Nigerians seeking to travel to the Central Asian country have been advised to contact the Uzbek embassy’s consular section to confirm their eligibility and establish whether they qualify for exceptional entry arrangements.