By Adenike Olowe
In a move that is expected to significantly impact travel between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, the UAE has imposed tougher entry conditions for Nigerian travelers. According to sources, the UAE has banned transit visa applications entirely, while introducing stricter requirements for tourist visas.
Travel agents confirmed on Tuesday that Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied. For those aged 45 and above, visa applicants must present a personal six-month bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 or its naira equivalent.
The new policy, which is expected to drastically reduce travel from Nigeria to Dubai, a top destination for business and tourism, has been communicated to travel agents through a notification. The notification reads: "For Nigerian Nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years traveling alone is not eligible for the TOURIST VISA CATEGORY."
For applicants aged 45 and above, the notification adds: "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."
The new rules are expected to have significant implications for the travel industry, with many businesses likely to feel the pinch. The UAE's decision to impose stricter entry rules on Nigerians comes amid a broader effort to tighten immigration policies in the country.
Nigerian travelers planning to visit the UAE are advised to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to avoid any disruptions to their travel plans.
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