UAE Tightens Visa Rules For Nigerians, Bans Transit Applications

The United Arab Emirates has introduced stricter entry conditions for Nigerian travellers, effectively banning transit visa applications and tightening tourist visa eligibility, travel agents confirmed on Tuesday.

According to a circular from Dubai immigration authorities, Nigerian nationals between the ages of 18 and 45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless they are accompanied by a close family member or part of a group. Those intending to travel solo within that age bracket will be denied entry under the new policy.

In addition, individuals aged 45 and above must now provide a six-month personal bank statement with each month reflecting a minimum balance of $10,000 or its equivalent in naira, in order to be considered for a visa.

The notice reads in part:

“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.
An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.”

The directive, which applies to all visa applications for the tourist category, is expected to drastically reduce the number of Nigerian travellers to Dubai, a destination popular for its tourism, shopping, and business opportunities.

Industry sources have expressed concern that the policy will disrupt travel plans and significantly affect the travel business.

No official reason was provided for the move, but the UAE has previously cited concerns over immigration violations and overstays by some categories of foreign travellers, including Nigerians.

Travel agencies have advised clients to carefully review the updated requirements and ensure full compliance before submitting visa applications, adding that any incomplete or ineligible submission will be rejected outright.

As of now, transit visas for Nigerian passport holders are no longer being processed, effectively halting stopovers and layovers through UAE airports for travellers without valid long-term visas.