The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again revised its visa policies for Nigerian nationals, introducing stricter entry requirements and halting all transit visa applications—moves that are expected to severely impact travel from Nigeria to Dubai.
New directives issued on Tuesday to travel agents have stirred concern within the Nigerian travel industry, coming just months after the partial easing of a previous ban.
Under the latest immigration rules, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 who intend to travel alone will no longer qualify for tourist access. Only those travelling with family or in groups may be considered eligible.
In addition, Nigerian applicants aged 45 and above must now provide a personal bank statement covering the past six months. Each monthly statement must reflect a closing balance of no less than $10,000 (or the equivalent in naira), placing the tourist visa out of reach for many average travellers.
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The announcement has cast a shadow over the short-lived optimism that followed the UAE’s decision last year to lift its two-year visa suspension on Nigerians. That resolution, widely seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, came with already strict conditions, now intensified under the new rules.
Dubai, which has historically been a hotspot for Nigerian tourists, entrepreneurs, and shoppers, could see a notable decline in arrivals from West Africa’s largest economy.
The suspension of transit visa processing further compounds the issue, barring Nigerian travellers from even passing through UAE airports en route to other destinations.
As of now, Nigerian authorities have yet to issue an official response to the latest developments.
