UAE imposes tougher visa restrictions on Nigerians, bans transit visa applications

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled out stricter entry regulations for Nigerian nationals, including a fresh ban on transit visa applications and tougher requirements for tourist visas.

This development, communicated to travel agents on Tuesday, has raised concern within Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry, particularly for those hoping to visit Dubai for business or leisure.

According to details confirmed by Daily Trust, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 will no longer be eligible to apply for a tourist visa unless accompanied. The new policy is expected to drastically cut the number of Nigerian travelers to the UAE, a country that has long been a popular destination for many.

This comes barely a year after the UAE lifted a two-year visa ban on Nigerian citizens, a decision initially welcomed but which came with stringent entry conditions. Travel agents say the latest rules have further complicated travel plans for many Nigerians.

A notification from Dubai immigration, shared with several travel agencies, confirmed that transit visa applications from Nigerian nationals will no longer be processed. Additionally, for Nigerians aged 45 and above seeking tourist visas, they must now provide a personal bank statement from a Nigerian bank covering the last six months, with each month showing a closing balance of no less than $10,000 or its naira equivalent.

The statement also reminded applicants that all existing requirements, such as hotel reservations and valid passport data pages, remain mandatory for visa applications.

Many industry observers believe these tightened rules could negatively impact Nigeria-UAE relations, as well as the already struggling Nigerian travel sector.