In a move that has sparked fresh concerns among Nigerian travelers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued stricter entry regulations for Nigerians visiting Dubai, while also suspending all transit visa applications, according to notifications sent to travel agents on Tuesday, July 8.
The new immigration guidelines, reportedly from Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, impose stricter conditions on age, financial requirements, and eligibility for tourist visa applicants less than a year after both nations resumed diplomatic visa operations following a lengthy two-year suspension.
According to the directive: Nigerian nationals aged 18 to 45 traveling alone are no longer eligible for tourist visa applications.
Applicants aged 45 and above must now submit a six-month personal Nigerian bank statement, with each month’s end balance showing a minimum of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent).
Transit visas for Nigerian travelers through UAE airports are no longer being processed until further notice.
“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 circular read.
This move, communicated through travel and visa agents across Nigeria, has triggered confusion and disappointment among frequent travelers, tour operators, and diaspora families. Many Nigerians had hoped for a more open and diplomatic approach following the resolution of the 2022–2023 diplomatic row, which had led to a blanket visa ban on Nigerian nationals due to security concerns and immigration violations.
While UAE authorities have yet to publicly confirm the reasons behind the latest restrictions, analysts believe the new policies reflect growing scrutiny of migration patterns, overstays, and documentation irregularities involving African nationals especially in light of increasing global security and economic pressures.
“This is a clear tightening of policy. It sends a signal that while diplomatic channels are open, immigration gates remain controlled,” said travel and migration expert Tolu Oyekanmi.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official response, though diplomatic sources say discussions are ongoing to clarify the scope and duration of the new rules.
Meanwhile, frustrated travel agents and tour companies have called for urgent intervention, warning that the move could severely affect tourism, trade, and family reunions during the upcoming end-of-year travel season.
