By Atoyebi Nike
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled out stricter visa regulations for Nigerian nationals, just months after lifting a two-year ban on visa issuance.
According to a report by News360 Nigeria, travel agents were informed Tuesday that transit visa applications from Nigerians are now prohibited, while tourist visa approvals will face tighter scrutiny.
Under the new policy:
Nigerians aged 18–45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless traveling with a family member or in a group.
Applicants over 45 years old must present a six-month personal bank statement showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 or its naira equivalent.
The measures, which take immediate effect, have sparked renewed anxiety among Nigerian travellers and travel operators, who say the policy could further strain Nigeria–UAE relations and limit mobility for thousands.
No official statement has yet been issued by UAE immigration authorities.
