A Beginner’s Guide to Leaving Nigeria Without Entering Wahala

So you want to Japa, abi? And leave us in Nigeria to battle with this ever-blazing sun that can fry egg, the high cost of data, that runs out fast, and the constant NEPA wahala. Nice one! And welcome to the Japa team.

In Nigeria, Japa season is today, tomorrow, and forever. Someone you know has already japa-ed or is planning to fly away.

So before rushing the process, or using that unverified travel agent, be sure you’re making the right decisions that won’t lead to regret.

Now, delete all those browser tabs with “How to Speak Like a Canadian in One Week” or “How to Sound British without Trying”

Here’s a  guide to Japa-ing without entering wahala 

Do Your Own Research

As stressful as that sounds, it is not as stressful, and painful as regretting. Note that not all travel agents in Nigeria are bad but you see that three-digit word called “419” that’s what some of them are.

So, don’t rely mostly on what they tell you. Take time to do your own research. If they tell you the sky is blue in Canada look it up to confirm.

They tell you there’s a process called the student-business route, do your research. If they tell you you’ll have to travel to Libya first before taking another flight to USA, remember… Do your research!

And if you can’t trust travel agents enough, and you already have a country in mind. Make sure to check out their immigration website, you’ll find all the details you need. 

ALSO READ: Planning to Japa? 5 Steps to Save in Naira and Earn in Dollars

Your Passport Is Not For Decoration

Hold that passport like it’s the deed to your father’s land, protect it and guard it, before you understand why you hear things like “village people”.

The plenty selfies can wait. Keep your passport clean and tucked away in your safe space until that day.

Missing your japa opportunity because of a missing passport will hurt more than an unexpected breakup text from the love of your life. Lose your passport and forget about Japa. You’re going nowhere.

All your travel plans will just turn into vibes and have you constantly saying “God knows best.”

Your Japa Folder (Also Known as Your Entire Life)

This is not the time to rely on screenshots or say “It’s on my phone” Don’t give your village people fresh content.

Print everything printable, your visa, flight itinerary, hotel booking, COVID certificate, yellow fever card, and anything else that proves you’re fully ready to Japa from your father’s land.

If you thought you’ve escaped carrying a folder like your WAEC registration days, or 100-Level clearance days then you lie! Lol, welcome to Japa clearance days. Get a plastic folder or transparent file and make sure all the necessary documents are inside. 

Why? If the officer asks for any document and you say “I think it’s in my email,” just get ready for “Please step aside.”

Prayers, Dollars, Pounds, or Euros 

Prayer is the master key. Yes! But prayer without funds is like NEPA seizing light, when you realize you’ve not charged your power bank and phone, now you’re stranded.

The embassy won’t accept “My pastor said I’ll travel this year” as a bank statement, so prepare financially.

Make sure you change money early, to avoid looking for Bureau de Change at the Airport. Because prayers won’t change the kind of rate those guys will give you (They’re not smiling).

And please, carry cash, Dollars, Pounds, or any currency they use where you’re going, so you can at least buy a bottle of water.  

ALSO READ: How to Get Paid in Dollars Without Japa-ing

Don’t Form, Ask Questions

Like a wise African once said, ”Oversabi goes before a downfall.”

If you don’t know, ask! Drop that shoulder pad for now, and ask that friend who has successfully Japa, for information and direction.

Ask a community of travelers on Fusion’s Japa community about your concerns. Ask for clarity at the embassy, and also during meetings, and interviews during the process. 

Don’t forget to ask for directions and explanations at the terminal, before you take a flight to Qatar instead of using Qatar Airways.

Proof Of Funds That You Can Prove   

Proof of funds are documents that prove you’re financially capable of supporting your stay in another country. One of the stumbling blocks for many Japa candidates. 

With a popular catchphrase “Shey If I get this kind of money I go Japa?” Some proof of funds requires top Dollar, while some are still okay. 

No matter the amount though, mind how you source for the funds. Before you get flagged for outdated information or suspicious activities that will land you in wahala you cannot explain or prove.

Mind Who You Tell

You’ve probably heard of countless Japa-friendship heartbreaks in Nigeria, because that close friend refused to tell anyone, until they’ve landed at their destination. 

Sometimes, it’s because out of goodwill, some friends or colleagues might spread the news so fast.

You start hearing Kweku The Traveler everywhere you go. And fielding requests from people you barely know, asking you about what you’ll bring for them from abroad. 

ALSO READ: 7 Types Of People You’ll Meet When Travelling Abroad From Nigeria

As exciting as it is to finally get the opportunity to hop on that plane, and bid farewell to the stress of Nigeria.

It is equally important to avoid wahala that will prevent that dream from coming true.

From you preparing every document and funds needed, to locking up about your Japa plans., and not telling any, or only a few friends.

Some steps need to be taken, to successfully Japa without any wahala. 

Join us in the Japa community, to get helpful tips, and insight, from successful Japa candidates and travel peeps like you.