The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has tightened visa requirements for Nigerian passport holders, drastically limiting travel prospects.

The recent guidelines issued to Nigerian travel agents on Tuesday have raised concerns in the travel and tourism industry.

In a dramatic policy decision likely to drastically curtail travel from Nigeria to Dubai—one of the UAE’s main business and leisure destinations—the authorities now prohibit Nigerians aged 18 to 45 from getting tourist visas unless accompanied.

Daily Sun brings to you seven important facts to know about these limits.

1. Transit visa ban

The UAE has banned transit visas for Nigerians, eliminating the option for short stays (e.g., 48 or 96 hours) while connecting through Dubai or other UAE hubs.

This affects Nigerians using the UAE as a transit point to other destinations.

2. Age restrictions for tourist visas

Nigerians aged 18 to 45 are ineligible for tourist visas unless accompanied by a family member or sponsor.

This restriction limits solo travel for younger Nigerians seeking leisure or business trips.

3. Stringent financial requirements for older applicants

Applicants aged 45 and above must provide a six-month bank statement showing a minimum closing balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent) for each month.

This high financial threshold makes it difficult for many Nigerians to qualify.

4. Document Verification Number (DVN) requirement

All Nigerian applicants must obtain a DVN through the UAE’s Document Verification Hub before applying for a visa.

This involves submitting identification and travel history documents, with a non-refundable fee of approximately N640,000 ($400).

The DVN is valid for only 14 days or until the visa application is processed.

5. Additional documentation

Applicants must provide a valid passport (minimum six-month validity with two blank pages), a recent passport-size photo, confirmed hotel bookings matching flight dates, and proof of sufficient funds (at least 5,000 AED upon arrival).

For families, marriage and birth certificates are mandatory.

6. Background of restrictions

The UAE lifted a two-year visa ban on Nigerians in July 2024 after diplomatic negotiations, but these new restrictions followed shortly after.

The initial ban in October 2022 was linked to diplomatic tensions, financial disputes (e.g., $85 million in trapped Emirates Airlines revenue), and concerns over immigration compliance.

7. Impact on travel and diplomacy

The policies are expected to significantly reduce Nigerian travel to the UAE for tourism, business, and medical purposes.

Travel agents report declining visa approvals, and the restrictions have sparked concerns about strained Nigeria-UAE relations, with calls for Nigeria to reform its visa policies to facilitate reciprocity. (Daily Sun)