The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reintroduced stringent visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, including an outright suspension of all transit visa applications.
The move, which follows less than a year after the lifting of a previous travel ban, is expected to significantly affect travel plans for Nigerians seeking to visit or transit through the UAE, especially Dubai.
According to new guidelines issued to travel agents, Nigerian nationals between the ages of 18 and 45 will no longer be granted tourist visas unless they are accompanied by someone approved under the UAE’s entry regulations.
In addition to the tourist visa restrictions, the UAE also suspended the issuance of transit visas to Nigerians.
Travel agents familiar with the new policy said the changes will have far-reaching implications for tourism, business travel, and international flight connections.
“This new directive affects a significant portion of our clients,” one agent said. “Many Nigerians travelling to Asia and the Middle East connect flights through Dubai.”
Further requirements have also been imposed for older applicants.
Nigerians aged 45 and above must now present a six-month personal bank statement showing a consistent minimum monthly balance of at least $10,000 or its equivalent in naira before they can be considered for a tourist visa.
The directive also reminded applicants that the financial requirement is in addition to existing documentation such as hotel reservations and passport data pages.
