The United Arab Emirates has once again introduced strict visa policies targeting Nigerian travelers, including a complete suspension of transit visa processing for citizens of Nigeria.
This development comes months after the UAE lifted a previous visa ban on the West African nation.
Under the revised guidelines, Nigerian applicants between the ages of 18 and 45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless they are accompanied by someone who meets the UAE’s specified entry criteria.
The new policy is already in effect and was communicated to travel agencies handling UAE-bound trips.
In a move that could disrupt travel connections for many, authorities in the UAE have also paused the issuance of transit visas for Nigerians.
Dubai, a major layover hub for Nigerians traveling to other parts of the world, may now see a sharp decline in Nigerian travelers.
Travel consultants said the policy will likely affect both tourism and business travel.
“Many of our Nigerian clients depend on Dubai as a stopover for connecting flights to Asia and the Middle East. These changes will force them to consider alternative routes,” said one agent.
For applicants aged 45 and older, the UAE also introduced additional financial conditions.
They are now required to submit a six-month bank statement reflecting a minimum monthly closing balance of $10,000 or the equivalent in local currency.
The financial records, along with standard visa documents such as hotel bookings and passport biodata pages, must be submitted for tourist visa consideration.
While no official explanation has been given for the policy change, it marks a renewed tightening of immigration controls for Nigerian nationals.
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