The United Arab Emirates has implemented stricter entry regulations for Nigerian travelers, including the outright suspension of transit visa applications and more stringent requirements for tourist visas.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, travel agents in Nigeria said the new directives from Dubai immigration will significantly impact travel plans for thousands of Nigerians, particularly business and leisure visitors.
According to the updated policy, Nigerian nationals between the ages of 18 and 45 are now ineligible for tourist visas unless accompanied. Those aged 45 and above must provide a personal bank statement spanning the last six months, showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent), before their visa application can be considered.
“For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for the tourist visa category,” read the notification circulated among licensed travel agents.
“Applicants 45 years or older must submit a personal Nigerian bank statement reflecting at least $10,000 in the ending balance for each of the last six months.”
Additional documentation, including hotel reservations and a passport data page, remains mandatory. However, failure to meet the revised financial requirement will result in automatic disqualification, agents warned.
The UAE’s latest directive follows a series of evolving visa restrictions that have affected Nigerian travelers in recent years. Dubai, a major Middle Eastern destination for Nigerian tourists, businesspersons, and students, has seen fluctuating visa policies for Nigerian citizens due to security, immigration, and bilateral concerns.
While the UAE authorities have not officially commented on the rationale behind the updated policy, industry experts suggest the move may be tied to broader immigration reforms and concerns over overstays and violations of visa conditions by certain applicants.
Implications for Travelers
Travel experts say the new policy is likely to cause a sharp decline in travel volume between Nigeria and the UAE, particularly among younger Nigerians who form a large segment of outbound tourists and entrepreneurs.
“This is the most restrictive policy we’ve seen in years,” said a travel consultant based in Lagos. “It’s going to affect not just tourism, but also small business owners and even families with plans to visit.”
Nigerians are advised to consult licensed travel professionals for up-to-date information and guidance before making travel arrangements to the UAE.
As of the time of this report, the UAE Embassy in Nigeria had not issued an official statement regarding the changes.
