Embracing the Globe: A Tale Beyond Borders
For many of us, journeying across continents is a tantalizing thought, one that often requires meticulous planning over several months. But for Alma Asinobi, the reality was starkly different. On a brisk morning, specifically March 15, Alma embarked on an ambitious expedition to shatter the Guinness World Record for the “Fastest Time to Visit All Seven Continents,” held presently by U.S. Air Force veteran Johnny Cruz Buckingham. His remarkable record stands at 64 hours.
But this journey was not just a race against the ticking clock. It transformed into a poignant lesson on the disparities of global travel—the advantages bestowed by a mere piece of laminated paper: the passport. Do you ever stop and wonder about how much of our world is interconnected and yet segregated by invisible walls that dictate freedom of movement?
Alma was soon to discover that while others, coming from nations with influential passports, traverse with ease, her adventure was riddled with challenges that extended beyond mere timing constraints. She triumphed through six breathtaking continents: starting with the vast ice expanses of King George Island, Antarctica; the vibrant cultures in Chile, South America; the sun-kissed shores of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic; the historic allure of Spain in Europe; the majestic pyramids of Cairo, Africa; and the modern marvels of Dubai, Asia.
However, visa restrictions, unexpected delays, and last-minute cancellations thwarted her ambitions to clinch the title. Isn’t it ironic that while we speak of a global village, such barriers still exist?
Alma’s tale isn’t just her own. It’s an echo of the struggles faced by many Africans, especially Nigerians, not in the pursuit of breaking records, but for universally significant quests like work, education, or sheer curiosity. Sadly, many face visa denials, not based on their worth or intentions, but their nationality.
In a statistical observation from 2023, while African applicants darted fewer Schengen visa applications compared to their Asian counterparts, they were met with a rejection rate that was 14% higher. It’s sobering to note that six out of the ten nations facing the steepest Schengen rejection rates are African. Isn’t it time to question such a glaring disparity?
For passport bearers from wealthier nations, crossing borders is often a breeze. They enjoy the perks of seamless global mobility. In stark contrast, numerous Africans endure protracted and frequently capricious visa processes.
The Henley Passport Index, a revealing measure of global mobility, underscores this chasm. This compass evaluates 199 passports across 227 travel venues, leaning on World Bank statistics and other key economic data. Yet, amidst these numbers and charts, the real stories of hope, frustration, and determination linger.
For Nigerians, while the number of visa-free destinations may be limited compared to their European or North American counterparts, a handful of opportunities still beckon. Specifically, they can travel to 45 countries without pre-obtaining a visa.
Business Insider Africa’s Compilation: Visa-Free Destinations for Nigerians
- Barbados
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Kiribati
- Niger
- Benin
- Djibouti
- Lebanon
- Niue
- Burkina Faso
- Dominica
- Liberia
- Palau Islands
- Burundi
- Fiji
- Madagascar
- Rwanda
- Cambodia
- Ghana
- Maldives
- Samoa
- Cameroon
- Guinea
- Mali
- Senegal
- Cape Verde Islands
- Guinea-Bissau
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Chad
- Haiti
- Micronesia
- Sierra Leone
- The Gambia
- Togo
- Montserrat
- Somalia
- Comoro Islands
- Iran
- Vanuatu
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
- Mozambique
- Cook Islands
- Kenya
Every journey leaves traces, not only geographically but also with emotional imprints. Alma’s ambition was a testimony to endurance, and resilience, and a beacon shining a light on global travel inequities. As we journey forwards, isn’t it essential that humanity transcends these limitations, recognizing and cherishing the stories wrapped in each passport?
