The UAE has banned transit visas for Nigerians and set tougher tourist visa rules, including age limits and a $10,000 monthly bank balance for older applicants. The move follows recent diplomatic challenges and adds new hurdles for Nigerian travelers.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced new visa rules that significantly tighten entry requirements for Nigerian nationals. According to a circular shared with travel agents this week, the UAE will no longer process transit visa applications from Nigerians and has made tourist visa approvals more restrictive.
Under the new policy, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 years are no longer eligible to apply for a tourist visa unless they are travelling with others. This means that solo travelers within this age group can no longer visit the UAE on a tourist visa. The decision aims to control the number of young solo Nigerian travelers entering the country, likely in response to previous immigration concerns.
In addition, Nigerians who are 45 years or older face stricter financial requirements. To qualify for a tourist visa, they must now provide a six-month personal bank statement showing a consistent monthly balance of at least $10,000 (or the equivalent in naira). This rule adds a financial barrier that could make it difficult for many applicants to meet the criteria.
Other existing requirements, including proof of hotel bookings and copies of passport data pages, still remain in effect. However, the new measures make the overall process of securing a tourist visa more demanding for Nigerian nationals.
These visa changes come less than a year after Nigeria and the UAE resolved a two-year diplomatic dispute that had led to a freeze on new visas for Nigerian citizens. Although the UAE formally lifted the ban in 2023, approvals have continued to be selective and closely reviewed.
The UAE has not publicly explained the reasons behind the latest restrictions, but the move reflects a broader tightening of immigration controls and heightened scrutiny of applicants from certain countries.
The UAE is a popular destination for Nigerian tourists, business travelers, and those transiting to other countries. The ban on transit visas could particularly affect travelers who used Dubai as a connecting hub for flights to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
According to travel agents, the new policy may lead to a sharp drop in the number of Nigerian visitors to the UAE. Many travelers might now look for alternative destinations or routes, especially since solo travel from Nigeria has effectively become impossible for those under 45.
The requirement for a large minimum bank balance could also exclude a significant number of potential visitors who may not have such financial reserves, even if they plan short holidays.
The UAE's decision comes shortly after the United States government also announced changes to its visa policy for Nigerians. Starting July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued by the U.S. to Nigerian citizens will be single-entry only and valid for just three months.
Previously, many Nigerian travelers received visas valid for two years or longer, allowing multiple entries. The new U.S. policy reduces flexibility and may further impact Nigerian travelers who frequently visit the U.S. for business, family, or tourism.
Together, these changes by the UAE and the U.S. suggest a growing trend of stricter immigration controls targeted specifically at Nigerian nationals. While the exact reasons remain officially unconfirmed, it appears both countries are responding to immigration and security concerns.
Travel industry experts warn that these policies could hurt tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections between Nigeria and these countries. Nigerian authorities have not yet issued an official response to the UAE’s latest move.
For now, Nigerians planning to visit the UAE must carefully review the new requirements and ensure they meet all conditions before applying for a visa. Travel agents also advise applying well in advance, given the increased scrutiny and reduced approval rates.
These developments mark a challenging time for Nigerian travelers, who face more barriers to international mobility. As policies continue to evolve, many will watch closely to see if diplomatic discussions could eventually lead to more balanced and accessible visa processes.
