Emirates offer free transit visas to lure Nigerian traveller’s to Dubai
Emirates Airlines has launched an initiative to provide free transit visas to Nigerian passengers transiting through Dubai.
In a recent communication to customers, the airline announced, “We are pleased to offer 48 or 96-hour UAE visas to our passengers purchasing tickets during the month of November.”
This offer is specifically available for those travelling on Emirates flights from Nigeria, as the airline seeks to entice more passengers amid a challenging market environment.
Bankole Bernard, the Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings—a holding company for six travel agencies in Nigeria—commented on the initiative, stating that it aims to stimulate ticket bookings, particularly given the airline’s struggles since resuming operations in Nigeria on October 1.
Bernard noted that Emirates has been experiencing low passenger numbers since its return, attributing this to stringent visa requirements and the competitive landscape created by other airlines that have filled the gap during Emirates’ absence.
He stated, “What they have to do further is to relax the visa rules. People have moved on. Emirates is feeling the heat, and they may still feel it more if UAE fails to relax its visa rules.”
The low turnout of Nigerian travellers can largely be traced back to the stringent visa policies imposed by the UAE. Currently, a Nigerian passport holder applying for a visa must submit a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 (approximately ₦16 million) along with other documentation.
However, those with valid visas from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Schengen countries face less stringent requirements. Additionally, applicants must provide round-trip flight tickets and hotel bookings, and must obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN) to validate their documentation.
The visa application process can be costly, with various types of visas available for Nigerians ranging from ₦150,000 for a transit visa to ₦270,000 for a 60-day tourist visa. These high fees, coupled with the difficulty in meeting application requirements, have deterred many potential travellers.
Emirates aims to regain its foothold in the Nigerian market, where it previously had the largest flight frequency, operating 14 weekly flights to Lagos and carrying an average of 350 passengers per flight.
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Before the suspension of its operations, Emirates was responsible for transporting around 9,800 passengers weekly on the Dubai-Lagos route.
With its return, the airline is competing for passengers who have turned to alternative carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Etihad, and Rwanda Air, which have successfully captured the Nigerian market in Emirates’ absence.
A source close to Emirates indicated that the airline is optimistic about the Nigerian market and trusts in the strength of its brand. The introduction of free transit visas is a key strategy in encouraging Nigerians to choose Emirates for their travel needs once again.
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