The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced stringent new visa restrictions for Nigerian travellers, further complicating access to one of the Middle East’s most popular destinations for tourism and business.
Multiple travel agents confirmed on Tuesday that, under revised directives from Dubai immigration authorities, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless travelling with family or in recognised groups.
For Nigerians aged 45 and above, new financial thresholds have also been set. Applicants in this age bracket must now submit a personal bank statement covering the past six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum of $10,000 or its naira equivalent to be considered for a tourist visa.
A widely circulated advisory from Dubai immigration stated: “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.”
In a further blow to Nigerian travellers, transit visa applications for Nigerian passport holders have now been suspended altogether. This is expected to significantly hinder Nigerians transiting through Dubai, a key global travel hub.
Travel analysts have warned that the new policy will likely dampen travel volumes between Nigeria and Dubai, a city popular among tourists, businesspeople, and shoppers from West Africa. Airlines and tour operators heavily reliant on the Nigeria–Dubai route are also expected to feel the impact.
An advisory circulating among travel consultants advised applicants to “take the above points into consideration before submitting applications along with other supporting documents such as hotel bookings and passport data pages.”
Although UAE authorities have not formally stated the rationale behind these sweeping changes, they come in the context of long-standing diplomatic and migration-related tensions between the two nations. The timing, coupled with the ongoing volatility of the naira, could further complicate travel plans for many Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is also facing fresh visa restrictions from another key international partner. The United States government has revised its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerians, limiting non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2 (business/tourist), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories, to three-month, single-entry permits.
The US authorities stated that the new policy, which took effect on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, was based on the principle of reciprocity.
However, the Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed strong reservations over the decision. In a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the policy shift “appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.”
“The federal government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries,” the statement read.
The ministry emphasised that the new policy imposes an undue burden on Nigerian travellers, including students, professionals, and families engaged in cultural and educational exchanges.
“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully calls on the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities,” the ministry noted.
Mr Ebienfa further assured Nigerians that diplomatic discussions were ongoing and that the Ministry remains committed to securing a resolution that reflects fairness and the mutual interests of both nations.
