The Federal Government has clarified that it has not received any official communication from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the alleged new visa restrictions affecting Nigerian citizens. The clarification follows recent reports of stricter travel regulations for Nigerians, which sparked concerns among travelers and travel agencies.
According to reports circulating last week, the UAE allegedly introduced new visa conditions that significantly limit Nigerian travel to the Gulf nation. The purported rules include the suspension of transit visa applications for Nigerians, effectively preventing Nigerian travelers from using UAE airports as stopover points for onward international travel. Additionally, tourist visa applicants aged 18 to 45 are reportedly barred unless sponsored by a UAE-based host, while applicants above 45 years are now required to present a six-month personal bank statement reflecting a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stressed that Nigeria has not been formally notified of any new visa regulations by UAE authorities.
“Regarding the new conditions for issuing UAE transit visas to Nigerian nationals, the Federal Government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy,” Onanuga said.
“However, it is observed that visa issuance is currently progressing in a gradual and orderly manner. The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities.”
Onanuga added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ensuring smooth diplomatic relations and protecting the rights of Nigerians abroad. He assured that any issues raised by the UAE would be addressed through “appropriate diplomatic channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.”
The reported visa changes come less than a year after Nigeria and the UAE resolved a long-standing diplomatic row that led to a suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians in 2022. That diplomatic impasse was tied to unresolved airline fund repatriation disputes and security concerns.
Following President Tinubu’s intervention in 2024, both nations restored diplomatic and economic ties, with the UAE resuming visa issuance to Nigerian travelers. However, the latest developments, if officially confirmed, could once again strain relations.
President Tinubu, according to the statement, urged Nigerians traveling or residing abroad to comply strictly with the immigration laws of their host countries, while assuring that his administration will continue to negotiate favorable terms for Nigerians overseas.
“The President assures all Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring they can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect anywhere in the world,” Onanuga added.
Meanwhile, some Nigerian travel agents have begun adjusting to the alleged new requirements, with reports indicating a slowdown in visa approvals for younger applicants. However, industry experts have advised travelers to await an official confirmation from UAE authorities before making hasty travel decisions.
Travel experts recommend that Nigerians planning to travel to the UAE:
Confirm visa requirements directly with UAE embassies or approved travel agencies.
Ensure financial documentation is in order if applying for tourist visas.
Consider alternative travel routes if transit visas are affected.
As of now, the Federal Government maintains that there has been no official policy update from the UAE. Diplomatic sources suggest that discussions are ongoing, and a formal statement from UAE authorities is expected soon.