UAE Bans Dubai Transit Visas for Nigerians Amid New Travel Restrictions
- The United Arab Emirates has introduced fresh visa restrictions targeting Nigerian travellers, reigniting concerns over mobility and diplomatic friction
- Nigerians aged 18 to 45 can no longer obtain tourist visas to Dubai unless accompanied, while transit visa applications have been suspended entirely
- Even older applicants face tough financial hurdles, marking a sharp escalation in entry requirements barely a year after a previous travel ban was lifted
For the umpteenth time, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced more stringent conditions for Nigerians seeking to travel to Dubai, disrupting plans for tourism and business.
In a move that is poised to significantly reduce traffic from Nigeria to the UAE, the authorities have now banned transit visa applications altogether.
Source: Getty Images
The latest directives were formally communicated to travel agents on Tuesday, according to reports by Daily Trust. These measures add new layers of restriction barely a year after the UAE lifted a two-year visa ban on Nigerian nationals.
UAE tourist visa ban hits Nigerians aged 18–45
A major update in the new travel policy stipulates that Nigerian applicants aged between 18 and 45 years will no longer be eligible for a tourist visa if travelling alone. They must now be accompanied by someone, though the specifics of acceptable travel companions remain unclear.
This policy is likely to affect the influx of Nigerian travellers, particularly younger visitors heading to Dubai for tourism, trade, or transit purposes. Dubai remains the UAE’s leading destination for Nigerian businesses and leisure travellers.
Increased financial requirements for older travellers
Travel agents revealed that applicants aged 45 and above now face steeper financial requirements as part of the revised visa process. According to the UAE directive:
“An applicant who is 45yrs or above must provide a Single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.”
Additionally, standard documents such as hotel reservations and passport data pages must still be submitted, though agents warn that overall processing standards have tightened.
Source: Depositphotos
Visa access expected to worsen
While the earlier visa ban’s resolution offered a glimmer of hope, Nigerian travel professionals now suggest that visa restrictions are worsening. One agent confirmed, “It is about getting worse in the coming days following the review of the visa process for Nigerians.”
With the UAE doubling down on regulations, prospective Nigerian travellers are advised to verify eligibility and prepare thoroughly before initiating any visa application to Dubai.
Emirates airlines reportedly considering leaving Nigeria again
Legit.ng earlier reported that Emirates Airlines is reportedly considering withdrawing its services from the Lagos-Dubai route as it flies empty most times.
Reports say the United Arab Emirates airline is affected by UAE’s visa policies on Nigeria, which have affected its operations.
Some months ago, the Nigerian government reached a diplomatic agreement with the UAE government, allowing the Emirates Airline to resume flight operations in Nigeria.However, when the airline resumed operations, it was met with empty seats.
Source: Legit.ng
