Nigerian travel content creator, Alma Asinobi, has been denied entry to Australia due to visa issues, putting her record attempt to visit all seven continents in the fastest time at risk.
Recall the Asinobi announced her attempt to travel to all continents in 60 hours a few weeks ago. Dubbed ‘AlmaChasingContinents’, it aims to highlight the challenges Africans with low-mobility passports face while inspiring people to explore the world despite these limitations.
Asinobi, who started her journey in Antarctica and has traveled through Africa, Europe, and America, was not allowed to board her flight to Perth, Australia, and was put on standby for confirmation from Australian authorities.
As a result, she had to rebook her flight, which had initially elapsed, and is now headed to Sydney to complete her final mission and raise the Nigerian flag.
Taking to X, Asinobi wrote “I was just denied boarding on my flight to Perth, Australia for my final leg of the trip. Due to visa issues, I was put on standby for confirmation from Australia till boarding closed and the gate agent had to rebook me on the next flight to Australia.
“I was asked to choose between Brisbane and Sydney, and I chose Sydney since it’s a city I’ve always wanted to visit anyway.
“I was tempted to cancel the flight altogether and just head home to where I’m loved, but I’m not one to start something and not finish.
“After the flight cancellations, delays and the previous visa issues, it was already cutting it too close, and the goal seemed bleak.
“I’ve been running on autopilot for the past 56+ hours, and just powering through, running as far as my swollen legs could take me. Almost like a robot, I had just one goal: get to Perth at the earliest possible time.
“This journey has taught me way more than I set out to learn. I’m taking the sweet with the sour and hoping that one day – hopefully in my lifetime – we see change.
“From where I’m standing, we’re nowhere close to that day, but I know it’s possible. Hanging my boots here for now, till I land in Sydney, on my last continent, and recover from all the humiliation and stress I’ve taken in huge doses within the past 56+ hours.
“I’ve cried, I’ve run, I’ve met new people along the way, and now I’m nearing the finish line. What I thought was going to be a cheeky little adventure turned into a whole movement with so much support from you which I couldn’t have done without.
“Every tweet, every message, every comment, gave me strength to power through, and I can’t thank you enough. Right now, my final mission is to fly our Nigerian flag on the seventh and final continent and bring it home.
“I cannot wait to be home, and I cannot wait to see you when we come out in solidarity to sign this flag. Taking off to Sydney now.”
Despite the challenges, Asinobi remains determined to complete her journey and inspire others to explore the world despite the limitations faced by Africans with low-mobility passports.
Common Reasons for Denied Entry
Asinobi’s experience highlights the challenges faced by travelers, particularly those with low-mobility passports. Some common reasons for denied entry include:
- Insufficient or incorrect visa
- Criminal record
- Lack of onward or return ticket
- Insufficient funds
- Health concerns
It’s essential for travelers to understand the entry requirements for their destination country and ensure they comply with all regulations to avoid denied entry.
