The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has tightened visa requirements for Nigerian passport holders, drastically limiting travel prospects.
Daily Sun brings to you seven important facts to know about these limits.
1. Transit visa ban
The UAE has banned transit visas for Nigerians, eliminating the option for short stays (e.g., 48 or 96 hours) while connecting through Dubai or other UAE hubs.
This affects Nigerians using the UAE as a transit point to other destinations.
2. Age restrictions for tourist visas
Nigerians aged 18 to 45 are ineligible for tourist visas unless accompanied by a family member or sponsor.
This restriction limits solo travel for younger Nigerians seeking leisure or business trips.
3. Stringent financial requirements for older applicants
Applicants aged 45 and above must provide a six-month bank statement showing a minimum closing balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent) for each month.
4. Document Verification Number (DVN) requirement
All Nigerian applicants must obtain a DVN through the UAE’s Document Verification Hub before applying for a visa.
This involves submitting identification and travel history documents, with a non-refundable fee of approximately ₦640,000 ($400).
The DVN is valid for only 14 days or until the visa application is processed.
5. Additional documentation
Applicants must provide a valid passport (minimum six-month validity with two blank pages), a recent passport-size photo, confirmed hotel bookings matching flight dates, and proof of sufficient funds (at least 5,000 AED upon arrival).
For families, marriage and birth certificates are mandatory.
6. Background of restrictions
The UAE lifted a two-year visa ban on Nigerians in July 2024 after diplomatic negotiations, but these new restrictions followed shortly after.
