Your visa just got approved. The joy is real.
But then reality sets in—you don’t have enough money to travel.
You’re not alone. Many Nigerians and Africans find themselves in this exact position. After spending so much on tuition deposits, medicals, and visa fees, there’s barely enough left for flight tickets, accommodation deposits, or proof of funds.
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate this stressful stage. If your visa is ready but your wallet isn’t, here’s what to do—without putting your future at risk.
First: Don’t Panic, But Don’t Wait Too Long
Many visas—especially student or work visas—have entry deadlines:
- For student visas, you may be required to enter before your course start date
- Some visas expire 6 months after issuance if unused
- Failing to travel can lead to your visa being marked as “unused” or “abandoned,” which could hurt future applications
Always check the entry validity date on your visa and the policy of the embassy or institution.
Option 1: Request for a Deferral or Travel Extension
For Students:
- Contact your school to request a deferral to the next intake (e.g., January instead of September)
- Some schools allow you to carry over your visa, others may require a new CAS or offer letter
- A deferral helps buy time legally without risking your visa status
For Workers:
- Ask your employer if they can issue an updated offer letter with a new start date
- You may need to reapply or amend your visa depending on the country
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. Deferral requests take time and may have deadlines.
Option 2: Seek a Travel Loan (But Be Careful)
Yes, it’s possible to get short-term travel loans from:
- Microfinance institutions
- Trusted family/friends
- Cooperative societies
- Some churches or community networks
But avoid:
- Loan sharks or unregistered lenders
- Agents who offer “pay later” schemes with no transparency
- Taking huge loans you can’t repay within 3–6 months abroad
Tip: Your focus should be travel-ready funds, not luxury spending.
Option 3: Reduce Immediate Costs with Smarter Choices
- Book flights early or use travel agencies with student deals
- Stay with a friend or community member for your first 2–4 weeks
- Avoid unnecessary luggage (extra baggage fees are a trap)
- Don’t rush to pay 6-month rent in full—many places abroad allow monthly rent once you’re in-country
Every saved naira brings you closer to takeoff.
Option 4: Reapply Later—If It’s Really Not Feasible Now
It’s painful, but sometimes the best move is to let go and reapply properly later.
Especially if:
- Your visa expires before you can travel
- You risk borrowing irresponsibly
- Your admission offer or job can’t be extended
Reapplying doesn’t always hurt your record—as long as you explain your previous situation honestly and submit fresh supporting documents.
What You Should Never Do
Don’t fake flight bookings or accommodation receipts
Don’t borrow large sums just to show proof of funds (if it’s post-visa)
Don’t stay silent and disappear—embassies and schools track entry records
Don’t misuse the visa for unrelated purposes (e.g., entering as a student but planning not to attend)
Final Thoughts
Getting your visa is not the end of the journey—it’s the start of a new chapter. And that chapter deserves to begin with wisdom, not desperation.
If you’re low on funds, you still have options—but you need to act fast, think smart, and stay honest.
At Loyalty Travels and Logistics Ltd, we help clients:
- Reschedule or defer travel legally
- Explore safe financial solutions
- Plan realistic relocation timelines