The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new set of visa restrictions for Nigerian travellers, including a ban on transit visa applications, less than a year after both countries resolved a long-running visa dispute.
According to notifications sent to travel agents on Tuesday, the UAE immigration authorities have revised entry requirements for Nigerian nationals, particularly targeting tourists and transit travellers.
Under the new guidelines, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 are no longer eligible to apply for tourist visas unless they are accompanied.
Additionally, transit visa applications by Nigerian nationals have been suspended entirely.
The directives also impose stringent financial requirements on older applicants.
Nigerians aged 45 and above must now provide a six-month personal bank statement, with each month showing a minimum end balance of at least $10,000 (or its naira equivalent), before being considered for a tourist visa.
“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc.,” the UAE authorities warned in the communication to agents.
These developments mark a renewed tightening of UAE visa policy towards Nigerians, despite the official lifting of a two-year visa ban in 2023.
Travel agents familiar with the process say the situation is deteriorating, with further restrictions expected in the coming days.
Dubai has long been a major destination for Nigerian tourists, students, and business travellers.
The latest measures are expected to significantly reduce the volume of Nigerian visitors and further complicate travel plans for many.
