-
Nigerians aged 18–45 barred from solo tourist visa applications.
-
Applicants over 45 must show $10,000 bank balance.
-
New rules spark outrage among travel agents and businesses.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerian travellers, in a move expected to significantly cut traffic between both countries.
According to directives issued to travel agents on Tuesday, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 are now prohibited from applying for tourist visas unless accompanied. In addition, the UAE has placed a blanket ban on all transit visa applications from Nigerians.
“An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a Nigerian personal bank statement for the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting at least $10,000 or its naira equivalent,” the notification from Dubai immigration reads.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The UAE’s new conditions come barely a year after both countries resolved a protracted visa dispute that saw a two-year ban lifted on Nigerians visiting Dubai. However, the latest restrictions appear to tighten entry further for Nigerians seeking business or leisure trips to the UAE.
Travel agents say the policy will worsen an already strained relationship between Nigeria and the UAE, especially for businesses and families with ties to Dubai.
“This is beyond disappointing. Many Nigerians have legitimate reasons to travel to Dubai, but these hurdles are pushing people to look elsewhere,” one Lagos-based agent.
READ ALSO: Dubai, UAE, lift Transit Flight Ban, Offer Clarifications
The restrictions also apply to other visa categories, with stricter financial documentation now mandatory.
This development adds to earlier measures that limited the number of Nigerians visiting the UAE after the initial ban was lifted.
Both countries had in 2024 amended their Air Service Agreement to improve bilateral ties, but the recent visa clampdown could reverse those gains.
