Jordan to ease visa application for Nigerian pilgrims

Jordan says it will simplify visa processing for Nigerians who wish to visit for pilgrimage and tourism.

Abdalrazzaq Arabiyat, Jordan Tourism Board MD, spoke on Thursday ahead of roadshows billed for Lagos, Abuja and Kano, in partnership with Nigerians Travel Too, a tour operator.

Arabiyat said the roadshows are part of Jordan’s efforts to woo more Nigerians to visit the country.

He said Nigeria represents a new tourism target market for Jordan, saying the roadshows, which end on November 8, 2021, will increase awareness about Jordan as a tourism destination.

He said: “The Jordan tourism board team is excited about our visit to Nigeria. We are ultimately looking to facilitate the entry of Nigerian tourists into Jordan by simplifying entry requirements and processing visa(s) in a reasonable amount of time.

“It is envisaged that the new travel facility will commence in December 2021 with weekly direct flights with Royal Jordanian Air from Lagos and Kano respectively to Amman Jordan.”

Organisers of the roadshow said it will feature workshops, meetings, and presentations in the respective locations.

Elizabeth Agboola, chief executive officer, NTT, said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious effect on the global tourism and travel sector.

Agboola said tourism stakeholders are keen to explore opportunities to get more people to travel again.

“We are excited to be working closely with the Jordan Tourism Board on this project and we have prepared a diverse and creative programme for the roadshows that will facilitate direct engagement between members of the Jordanian and Nigerian tourism fraternity at various levels,” she said.