The United Arab Emirates has implemented stricter visa rules for Nigerian travellers, including a full suspension of transit visa applications, according to travel agents who confirmed the development on Tuesday. As per the new directive from Dubai immigration authorities, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 are no longer eligible to apply for tourist visas unless accompanied.
For applicants aged 45 and above, a personal bank statement covering six months is now mandatory, with a required monthly balance of at least \$10,000 or its equivalent in naira. Travel agents say these new requirements will sharply reduce the number of Nigerians travelling to Dubai, a popular destination for both leisure and business.
“For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for the tourist visa category. “An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.
“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc,” the notification read. This development comes a day after the U.S. Department of State announced new visa restrictions affecting multiple countries, including Nigeria.
Under the revised U.S. policy, which takes immediate effect, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be valid for only three months and will permit a single entry. The U.S. Department of State said in a statement that the new measure will impact thousands of Nigerian students, business travellers, tourists, and families who regularly visit the U.S. for various purposes.
“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period,” it stated. However, holders of valid U.S. non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025 will not be affected and will retain their current visa validity and conditions.
Source: https://saharareporters.com/
