Dubai Imposes Strict Visa Restrictions On Nigerians Aged 18-45.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced stringent new visa regulations for Nigerian travellers, significantly impacting those planning to visit Dubai, a key destination for business and tourism. According to a directive issued by Dubai immigration authorities, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 are now barred from obtaining tourist visas unless accompanied, while transit visa applications have been entirely suspended.
The policy, communicated to travel agents on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, also imposes rigorous financial requirements for applicants aged 45 and above. Those in this age group must provide a six-month personal bank statement, with each month reflecting a minimum closing balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent. Additional standard documents, such as hotel reservations and passport data pages, remain mandatory.
Travel agents have expressed concern that these measures, which come less than a year after the UAE lifted a two-year visa ban on Nigerians in July 2024, will drastically reduce travel from Nigeria to Dubai. The previous ban, imposed in October 2022 due to diplomatic and financial disputes, had already strained travel and business ties between the two nations. Its lifting followed negotiations led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, with Emirates Airlines resuming flights between Lagos and Dubai in October 2024.
The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) voiced shock at the new restrictions, noting that the suspension of transit visas eliminates a key concession previously available to Nigerian travellers. Industry stakeholders warn that the policy could disrupt tourism, business trips, and onward travel through the UAE, with significant economic implications for airlines and travel agencies.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the updated rules, leaving prospective travellers and agents seeking clarity. For now, Nigerians planning to visit Dubai are advised to verify their eligibility and prepare thoroughly to meet the tightened requirements.