Alma Asinobi, a 26-year-old travel content creator from Nigeria, set out to make history. Her goal? To become the fastest person to visit all seven continents. But instead of a smooth journey, she faced roadblocks that many travelers from the Global South know all too well.
Her attempt to break the Guinness World Record began on March 15, 2025. She hoped to complete the trip in just 60 hours. But passport issues and strict visa policies had other plans.
Visa Woes and Delays
Getting the required visas proved difficult. In fact, Alma had to apply three times for her Australian visa. When she finally got it, it was only valid for 72 hours. The process also cost her around $400 and involved extensive medical tests.
These delays were costly—not just in money, but in time. Alma completed her journey in 71 hours, 26 minutes, and 25 seconds. Just over the limit. She missed the record.
What is Passport Privilege?
Alma’s story shines a light on something many people don’t think about: passport privilege.
If you hold a passport from a powerful country, travel is often easy. Visas are not always required. Border checks are quick. But for those from countries like Nigeria, the journey begins long before the flight. Visa applications, rejections, delays, and high costs are the norm.
Alma’s struggle to get visas wasn’t because of her lack of planning or ability. It was because of the kind of passport she holds.
Not Just a Record – A Message
Even though Alma didn’t break the record, she started something just as important—a conversation.
Her journey caught attention on Instagram, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation Newspaper, and Techpoint Africa. It even made its way to Wikipedia.
Through it all, Alma remained focused. Her message? It’s time to talk about global inequality. Not everyone has the same freedom to move. And that needs to change.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about travel. It’s about equal access to opportunities. People from low-mobility countries face barriers that can affect their careers, education, and life experiences.
Alma’s experience speaks for millions. She turned her personal setback into a larger story about fairness, borders, and the world we live in.
Alma Asinobi may have missed a world record, but she’s sparked a new kind of global awareness. She wants to see a world where your passport doesn’t limit your dreams.
And her story? It’s just the beginning.
