Uzbekistan Suspends Visa Issuance, Entry for Nigerians
Nigerians planning to travel to Uzbekistan may face difficulties obtaining entry clearance following the introduction of temporary restrictions affecting citizens of several countries, including Nigeria.
The development was disclosed in a notice published on the website of the Green Energy Technologies Central Asia (GETCA) exhibition, which listed Nigerians among foreign nationals currently affected by the measures.
The notice stated that Uzbekistan had temporarily stopped issuing visas and granting entry to citizens of the affected countries.
It read, “Temporary restrictions have currently been introduced on the issuance of visas and entry into the Republic of Uzbekistan for citizens of your country.”
However, Nigerians with exceptional reasons for travelling to the Central Asian country were advised to seek clarification from the consular section of Uzbekistan’s embassy before making travel arrangements.
Nigeria is among several countries named in the notice. Others include Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Iraq and Bangladesh, suggesting that the restrictions extend beyond Nigerian travellers.
As of Friday, November 6, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not published an official explanation detailing the reasons behind the reported restrictions.
Although the ministry’s online visa information portal outlines general entry conditions and visa procedures for foreign visitors, it provides no specific details about the latest measures affecting Nigerian nationals.
The development could disrupt travel plans for Nigerians intending to visit Uzbekistan for tourism, business engagements, educational opportunities and other legitimate purposes.
Prospective travellers have been urged to contact the Uzbek embassy’s consular section for updated information on the restrictions and possible exemptions before proceeding with their travel plans.
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