The government of the United Arab Emirates has issued a stringent immigration policy, slamming the UAE’s transit visa ban on Nigerian travellers.
The UAE visa restrictions have effectively banned transit visas and tightened entry requirements for Nigerian travelers.
Announced on July 8, 2025, the UAE’s transit visa ban policy will affect Nigerian tourists, business travelers, and students who will now have to navigate a new landscape of limited mobility.
The new policy has effectively barred Nigerians from using major hubs like Dubai International Airport for layovers.
The policy was communicated in a directive to travel agencies. According to new directive from Dubai immigration, 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 directive reads in part: “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.
“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.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this development comes barely a year after the UAE lifted a two-year visa ban on Nigerians in 2024.
This policy also comes barely 24 hours after United States government announced the reduction of visa validity issued to Nigerians.
