UAE tightens visa rules for Nigerians, halts transit visas
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new wave of visa restrictions targeting Nigerian travelers, with immediate suspension of transit visa applications and tighter conditions for tourist visas.
The latest directives, communicated to travel agents on Tuesday, are expected to significantly impact the volume of Nigerian visitors to Dubai, a city that remains a key destination for both business and leisure.
Under the new policy, Nigerian citizens aged between 18 and 45 will no longer be eligible to apply for a tourist visa unless they are accompanied. Applicants aged 45 and above are now required to submit a personal bank statement showing a consistent end-of-month balance of at least \$10,000 (or the naira equivalent) for the past six months.
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This development follows the partial resolution of a diplomatic rift between the two countries, during which the UAE lifted a visa ban on Nigerians that had lasted nearly two years. However, the relaxation of the ban came with tough conditions, which have now been further tightened.
Travel industry sources say the move is likely to lead to a sharp decline in the number of Nigerian travelers to the UAE, citing the added financial and documentation burden.
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