“I Was Denied Visa Twice Because I’m Nigerian” — YouTuber Tayo Aina Reveals Why He Spent $150,000 on Saint Kitts & Nevis Passport
TrendingNow October 14, 2025
Lagos, Nigeria —
Popular Nigerian travel creator and filmmaker, Tayo Aina, has opened up about the challenges he faced traveling with a Nigerian passport, revealing that he spent $150,000 (over ₦200 million) to obtain a Saint Kitts & Nevis passport after being denied visas twice.
In a recent interview and YouTube vlog that has gone viral, Tayo explained that the repeated visa rejections limited his opportunities to explore and document global travel stories, which are a key part of his brand and content creation journey.
“Being Nigerian Made Traveling Difficult” — Tayo Aina
The award-winning content creator recounted how frustrating it was to be denied visas to certain countries despite having a strong professional portfolio and clean travel record.
“I was denied visas twice simply because I’m Nigerian,” Tayo said.
“It didn’t matter that I had the money, a YouTube audience, or that I was promoting tourism. The system just made it harder for me to move freely.”
He revealed that after years of dealing with strict visa policies, he decided to acquire a Saint Kitts & Nevis passport, one of the world’s most powerful Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs, giving him visa-free access to over 150 countries.
Why He Chose Saint Kitts & Nevis
Tayo said the decision wasn’t about “abandoning Nigeria,” but about expanding his creative and business reach globally.
He described the process as lengthy but worthwhile for someone whose career depends on international travel.
“I love Nigeria, but being a global creator requires freedom of movement,” he said.
“Getting the Saint Kitts passport was an investment in my work and future.”
He added that he opted for Saint Kitts & Nevis because the Caribbean nation has one of the oldest and most trusted citizenship-by-investment programs, known for granting full citizenship within months to applicants who make significant contributions to the country’s economy.
Tayo’s revelation has sparked a broader conversation about passport privilege, travel inequality, and the difficulties faced by many Nigerians seeking to explore the world.
Several fans and fellow travel influencers have since echoed similar frustrations with global visa restrictions.
Analysts note that while dual citizenship options may not be accessible to everyone, Tayo’s story underscores the urgent need for stronger diplomatic ties and passport reforms that could ease international travel for Nigerians.
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About Tayo Aina
Tayo Aina is one of Nigeria’s most influential travel content creators, with over 1 million YouTube subscribers.
He is known for showcasing Africa’s beauty, entrepreneurship, and travel experiences through cinematic storytelling.
Over the years, Tayo has collaborated with global brands and tourism boards, putting Nigeria and African destinations on the global map.
Tayo Aina’s story sheds light on the realities of global mobility challenges faced by Nigerians and other Africans.
His decision, though costly, is a bold statement on the need for better international representation, visa reforms, and passport strength for African citizens.
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