The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented stricter visa regulations targeting Nigerian citizens, including a complete ban on transit visa applications.
According to a directive shared with travel agencies on Tuesday, the UAE government has updated its visa policy, introducing tougher requirements for Nigerians seeking tourist visas.
This move marks a significant setback for prospective travelers, less than a year after a diplomatic breakthrough ended a previous visa ban.
New Tourist Visa Criteria
The new rules specify that Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 are no longer eligible to apply for a UAE tourist visa unless a guardian or sponsor accompanies them.
For Nigerians aged 45 and above, the visa application process has become notably more stringent. Applicants in this category must now provide:
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A six-month personal bank statement from a Nigerian bank.
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Each month, a minimum closing balance of $10,000 (or its equivalent in naira) must be maintained.
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Other supporting documents, such as hotel reservations and passport biodata pages.
Impact on Transit Travel
The UAE has also banned all transit visa applications for Nigerians, further limiting access through major transit hubs like Dubai International Airport.
Setback After Diplomatic Resolution
This fresh wave of restrictions follows the 2023 diplomatic resolution between Nigeria and the UAE, which previously restored visa services after nearly two years of suspension. However, travel agencies report that even then, the reinstated process was slow and heavily scrutinized.
With the current rules, travel to Dubai and other cities in the UAE is becoming nearly impossible for most Nigerians, especially younger travelers and budget tourists.
Industry experts say the new measures will impact tourism, medical travel, and business trips, sectors where the UAE had historically been a preferred destination for Nigerian nationals.
Travel Agents React
Local travel agents have described the development as “disheartening,” noting that UAE visa approvals for Nigerians have declined in recent months.
“It’s practically a ban disguised as policy. The financial requirement alone is out of reach for the average Nigerian traveler,” said one agent who preferred to remain anonymous.
