The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the implementation of strict new visa rules specifically targeting Nigerian travelers, with the new policy taking effect from July 8, 2025.
This significant move follows closely after the recent changes to US visa policies for Nigerians, which have already created tension and uncertainty among many Nigerian citizens who frequently travel abroad for business, tourism, and educational purposes.
Under the newly introduced UAE policy, all Nigerians have been temporarily suspended from obtaining transit visas, which means they will no longer be able to use Dubai or any other UAE cities as a layover or stopover destination while traveling to other countries. This has major implications for many Nigerian travelers who often rely on Dubai as a central connecting hub.
Additionally, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 who are traveling alone are now completely ineligible for tourist visas to the UAE. This age group, which forms a large percentage of Nigeria's active traveling population, will be most affected by this strict condition.
For those aged above 45 years who are still eligible to apply for tourist visas, the requirements have become significantly more stringent. Applicants must now provide a personal bank statement covering the last six months, clearly showing a minimum monthly balance of at least $10,000 or its equivalent in naira. This high financial requirement is expected to make it difficult for many potential visitors to meet the criteria.
Moreover, all Nigerian travelers to the UAE are now required to show proof of fully paid hotel reservations for their entire stay as well as evidence of sufficient funds — at least 5,000 dirhams — to cover expenses while in the country. These added conditions are likely to discourage spontaneous trips and make travel planning more rigorous and costly.
These new measures are predicted to drastically reduce the number of Nigerians visiting Dubai and other popular destinations within the UAE, which have long been favored for business opportunities, shopping, leisure activities, and medical tourism.
Interestingly, this decision comes less than a year after the UAE finally lifted a two-year-long visa ban on Nigerians, which had initially been imposed due to diplomatic disagreements and concerns over immigration violations.
Check out reactions that have followed below….
Kageb G remarked, “Omo ontop one July dem don restrict us finished 😂😂😂 ayyyyyyyyyy Tinubu”.
Desmond Shagg queried, “The whole world shud just ban Nigeria including their chief masquerade 😆”.
Prince Adewale wrote, “Everybody just dey banned. Nigerians. Even God fit still banned us for heaven.”
Uju Annuobi added, “Make them ban entry totally make all of us dey here dey see the shege”.