The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities have once again imposed stricter visa conditions for Nigerians intending to visit Dubai, while also announcing a ban on transit visa applications for Nigerian nationals.
According to reports gathered from travel agents, the latest directives were communicated on Tuesday, marking another hurdle for Nigerian travellers just a year after the UAE lifted a two-year visa ban against citizens of Nigeria.
Under the new policy, any Nigerian aged between 18 and 45 will not be eligible for a tourist visa unless accompanied.
In addition, those above 45 years applying for a tourist visa must present a personal bank statement for the past six months, showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 or its naira equivalent.
The updated directive further stated that no applications for transit visas from Nigerians would be processed, a move expected to reduce air traffic from Nigeria to the UAE, especially to Dubai, a favourite for Nigerian tourists and business travellers.
The notification read, “For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for TOURIST VISA CATEGORY.
An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a personal bank statement for the last six months with each month’s ending balance reflecting at least $10,000 or its naira equivalent.”
This development comes as a significant blow for many intending visitors and businesspeople, given that the previous lifting of the visa ban already came with tough restrictions.
Travel agents expressed concerns that the situation might worsen in the coming days following this visa process review.
Nigerians are now advised to consider the new requirements carefully before submitting applications, ensuring all documentation, including hotel bookings and passport data pages, meet the tightened standards set by the UAE immigration.
