UAE reimposes stricter visa rules for Nigerians, suspends transit visas

Just a year after lifting a two-year visa ban on Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again introduced tougher visa restrictions for Nigerian nationals—sparking concern among prospective travelers and the travel industry.

According to travel agents who confirmed the development on Tuesday, the UAE has not only tightened requirements for tourist visas but has also suspended the issuance of transit visas to Nigerians entirely.

Under the new policy, Nigerian applicants between the ages of 18 and 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless they are accompanied. This effectively shuts the door on a large number of young professionals, solo travelers, and students seeking to visit the Gulf nation.

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.