UAE Reimposes Visa Ban, Suspends Transit Applications for Nigerians

UAE Reimposes Visa Ban, Suspends Transit Applications for Nigerian Travellers.
All transit visa applications from Nigerians are now suspended.
Travellers aged 45+ must show $10,000 minimum bank balance monthly.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reimposed stringent visa restrictions on Nigerian travellers, including a total suspension of transit visa applications — a move that threatens to disrupt tourism and business travel to Dubai.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that that this fresh directive, issued by Dubai immigration authorities to travel agents on Tuesday, comes less than a year after the UAE lifted a two-year visa ban on Nigeria.

Under the new rules, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 years are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied by an acceptable individual as defined under UAE immigration regulations. This means solo travellers within the age bracket are effectively barred from visiting the UAE for tourism.

In addition, all transit visa applications by Nigerian citizens have been suspended, eliminating the option of stopover travel via Dubai to other international destinations. This change is expected to significantly affect Nigerian travellers who rely on Dubai as a key transit point for long-haul flights.

Travel agencies confirmed to Daily Trust that the policy would impact flight bookings and global travel plans for many Nigerians, particularly those travelling through Dubai en route to Europe, Asia, or the Americas.

The advisory also states that Nigerians aged 45 and above must present a personal bank statement spanning six months, with each month reflecting a minimum closing balance of $10,000 or its naira equivalent, to be eligible for a tourist visa.

“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications along with other documents such as hotel reservations and passport data page,” the directive added.