Navigating Travel Requirements for DevRels in Africa

Transcript

1. Navigating Travel Requirements for DevRels in Africa @codejagaban
2. Developer Advocate and Senior Technical Writer at Uploadcare codm: codejagaban
3. Why this talk?
4. According to Imperial Citizenship Global,
 Nigeria faces rejection rates as high as 48.5%.
 In 2024 alone, 45.9% of Schengen visa applications by Nigerians were rejected.
5. What does it mean to do global DevRel when your passport limits your movement?
6. Why Travel Matters in DevRel F Career impact' F Conferences = brand & platform visibilit@ F Developer trust grows in perso# F Global visibility creates local impact
7. DevRel isn’t borderless Not all DevRels travel equally. Being a Developer Advocate from Lagos isn’t the same as being one from San Francisco or even Brazil. Same job, different access
8. What We’re Up Against T Visa delays & rejectiony CT Weak passport powet &T Financial hurdles (flights, proof of funds T Lack of informatioA T Lack of trust (that you will run T Village people
9. Navigation Tips & Tricks 31 Read the requirements and ask questions Read the visa requirements properly and ask those who have applied before how they did it Know the different visas available and their requirements Pro tip: When applying by yourself, ask agents about the process and requirements, they often have a workaround for some requirements e.g: Chances of you getting a schengen are higher if you apply to Greece Platforms: Reddit, Nairaland, Twitter, IG, friends and collegues
10. Navigation Tips & Tricks # Proof of funds Have a clear history of consistent funds going in and out of your bank so it’s easy to use when you need it Pro tip: Create a primary bank for your transactions
11. Navigation Tips & Tricks (6 Always provide evidence that you’ll be coming back Provide solid evidence that you will be coming backD H Landed properti H Business at homE H Marriage certificatE H Photos of spouse/fiancr H Family who depends on you
12. Navigation Tips & Tricks 63 Have a structured information of what you do e Have a well detailed information about yoB e A letter from the company you work for stating you work for theD e Payroll slip from your company
13. Navigation Tips & Tricks 62 Set up a business if you work remotely Presenting yourself as a contractor with a profitable business can be convincing that you have something back at home that requires your attention Pro tip: Register your name as a business name so you stand as an employable entity with staffs
14. Navigation Tips & Tricks (% Always have a letter of intent stating your intentions for the visit Conference? Tourism? Team meetup? Have a clear explanation for your visit with signed letters from your company, or conf organizers or any appropriate body
15. Navigation Tips & Tricks 70 Have a clear plan and itinerary of where you’re going and how long you’ll stay You should have a checklist:
 Flight ticket Hotel reservation Duration of your stay and return
16. Navigation Tips & Tricks 31 Leverage any connections you have in the visiting country Friends, colleagues, agents, strangers, village people
17. Example 1: UK Visit
18. Example 2: Istanbul Visit
19. Essential checklist for any travel visa you should have
20. Questions?