The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rolled out stringent new visa regulations for Nigerian travellers, including a complete suspension of transit visa issuance. This move, confirmed by travel agents on Tuesday, is part of a broader crackdown that significantly limits access to Dubai for many Nigerians.
According to the new directive from Dubai immigration authorities, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 will no longer be eligible to apply for tourist visas unless accompanied. For those aged 45 and above, additional financial documentation is now mandatory.
“Applicants over 45 must submit a personal bank statement covering the past six months, with each month showing a minimum closing balance of $10,000 or the naira equivalent,” the notice reads. Other standard documents, including hotel bookings and passport data pages, remain part of the application process.
Travel industry experts say the policy is expected to drastically reduce Nigerian visits to Dubai, a long-favoured destination for tourism, business, and medical travel.
Meanwhile, the United States has also announced fresh visa restrictions impacting Nigerian nationals. Under a new directive from the U.S. Department of State, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be limited to single entry and a maximum validity of three months.
“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant visas for Nigerian citizens will be valid for only three months and allow a single entry,” the statement read.
However, the new rules will not affect existing U.S. visas issued before July 8, 2025, which will maintain their original validity and terms.
These developments mark a significant tightening of international travel options for Nigerians and are likely to affect students, tourists, businesspeople, and families with cross-border ties.
