BREAKING: UAE tightens visa rules for Nigerians, bans transit visa applications

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again implemented stricter visa conditions for Nigerian nationals, dealing a fresh blow to prospective travelers just a year after lifting its two-year visa ban on the country.

According to information obtained from travel agents on Tuesday, the UAE has not only tightened tourist visa requirements but also suspended the issuance of transit visas to Nigerians altogether.

Under the newly enforced policy, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless they are accompanied, effectively barring a large portion of young solo travelers and professionals from entering the country.

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.

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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.