BREAKING: UAE Imposes Stricter Visa Conditions on Nigerians, Suspends Transit Visas
Abu Dhabi, July 9, 2025 — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced new, stringent visa restrictions targeting Nigerian nationals, just a year after partially lifting its earlier visa ban.
According to a new directive circulated to Nigerian travel agents on Tuesday, the UAE has suspended the issuance of transit visas to Nigerian citizens. In addition, new eligibility conditions have been outlined for those seeking tourist visas.
One of the key changes stipulates that Nigerians aged 18 to 45 years are no longer eligible to apply for tourist visas unless they are accompanied. This age group, when travelling solo, will not be considered under the current visa category.
READ ALSO: Flying Eagles Set for WAFU B U20 Showdown in Accra
Applicants who are 45 years or older must now meet a more rigorous financial requirement, including the submission of a six-month personal bank statement showing a monthly minimum balance of at least USD 10,000 (or its naira equivalent).
Travel agents familiar with the development told Wellnaija Tribune that the new rules are likely part of broader efforts by UAE authorities to limit the influx of Nigerian travelers amid rising concerns over immigration violations.
A portion of the immigration advisory read:
READ ALSO: US Slashes Visa Validity for Nigerians, Tightens Entry Rules
“For Nigeria nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for tourist visa category.
An applicant who is 45yrs 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 of $10,000 USD or its naira equivalent.”
The directive also emphasizes that applicants must still present standard documents such as a valid passport data page and hotel reservations.
This development comes as a setback for thousands of Nigerians who travel to Dubai annually for tourism, medical visits, business, or as stopovers to other destinations. It also signals a tightening of UAE’s immigration policy towards Nigeria, despite previous diplomatic resolutions.
As of the time of this report, neither the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the UAE Embassy in Abuja has issued an official statement on the latest development.
Nigerians intending to travel to the UAE are advised to consult licensed travel agents or visit official UAE immigration platforms for updated information