In a fresh round of travel restrictions, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced more stringent visa conditions for Nigerian nationals, including an outright ban on transit visa applications and tighter requirements for tourist visas.
The latest directives, issued by Dubai immigration authorities and circulated to travel agents on Tuesday, mark another development in the often-tense travel relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.
According to the new rules, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 years are now ineligible to apply for tourist visas unless they are accompanied. This restriction is expected to significantly reduce Nigerian travel traffic to Dubai, a city known for its business, tourism, and shopping attractions.
“For Nigeria nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for tourist visa category,” part of the directive reads.
In addition, applicants aged 45 years and above must now submit a six-month personal bank statement with each month’s end balance showing a minimum of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent).
“An applicant who is 45yrs or above must provide a single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent,” the notice stated.
It further emphasized that all other existing requirements—such as hotel reservations, passport data page, and supporting documents—remain mandatory and must be submitted along with the updated criteria.
The directive also clarified that transit visa applications from Nigerian nationals will no longer be accepted, effectively closing another route for Nigerians hoping to travel through the UAE.
This development comes just months after Nigeria and the UAE resolved a two-year diplomatic standoff that resulted in a visa ban on Nigerian citizens. Although the ban was lifted in 2023, it came with a host of restrictive conditions limiting the number of Nigerians allowed into the country.
However, travel agents familiar with the new rules say the latest policy shift is more severe than previous measures.
“It’s getting worse,” a travel consultant who requested anonymity told Daily Trust. “These new visa conditions will drastically reduce Nigerian travel to Dubai. A lot of clients are already discouraged.”
The UAE’s new restrictions are expected to have ripple effects on travel, tourism, and business interactions between both countries, particularly as Dubai remains a top destination for Nigerians seeking leisure, medical services, and trade opportunities.
