The United Arab Emirates has introduced stricter visa rules for Nigerian travellers, including a ban on transit visa applications and tighter entry requirements for tourist visas, travel agents confirmed on Tuesday.
In a notice reportedly issued by Dubai immigration authorities, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied. Solo travellers within that age bracket are now ineligible for consideration under the tourist category.
For applicants aged 45 and above, the new policy requires the submission of a six-month personal bank statement, with each month showing a minimum end balance of $10,000 (or the naira equivalent).
“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications,” the directive read, adding that existing requirements such as hotel reservations and passport data pages remain in force.
The move is expected to significantly reduce Nigerian travel to Dubai, a longstanding hotspot for tourism, medical visits and commercial activity.
Several travel agents confirmed the enforcement of the new rules and said the ban on transit visas would also hinder onward travel for Nigerians transiting through the UAE to other countries.
The policy marks the latest in a series of tensions between Nigerian authorities and UAE immigration, following previous restrictions in 2022 which were only partially lifted.
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