A Nigerian travel content creator and entrepreneur, Alma Asinobi, has expressed her ambitious plan to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the fastest time to visit all seven continents.
At a media parley announcing the feat, which would start on March 15, Asinobi stated that she aims to complete the journey within 70 hours, emphasising that the record attempt is not just an adventure but a means to raise awareness about passport privilege and the challenges faced by low-mobility passport holders.
She pointed out that while some travelers could simply book flights and go, others, like herself with the Nigerian passport, had to plan months in advance to secure the necessary documents.
Speaking about her world record attempt, Asinobi acknowledged the difficulties ahead, admitting that many aspects of the journey are beyond her control.
According to the rules, she cannot use private or chartered transport and must rely on commercial flight schedules, which could be affected by delays or weather conditions. She described the challenge as a test of her ability to accept what she cannot control, while also pushing herself beyond her comfort zone.
She further highlighted the significance of her attempt, explaining that it underscores the difficulties faced by low-mobility passport holders. She argued that passport privilege is an under-discussed issue, despite affecting nearly half of the world’s population. Many travelers from countries with restricted passports struggle to secure visas for personal, professional, and even emergency medical reasons.
Despite being the first Black solo traveler and the youngest at 26 to attempt this record, she disclosed that she still encountered numerous visa challenges. She stated that she had to apply for over ten visas, facing multiple rejections before succeeding. In particular, she noted that securing an Australian visa was a major hurdle, as she was rejected twice before finally receiving a 72-hour visa on her third attempt. The process, she revealed, involved extensive medical tests, including blood tests and X-rays, and cost her around $400.
Expressing her frustration, she pointed out that visa applicants are often left in the dark regarding the reasons for their rejections, making it difficult to improve their chances in subsequent applications. She argued that visa processing systems should be more transparent and respectful towards applicants, rather than forcing them to endure unnecessary hardship and financial strain.