- But the resolution of the visa impasse was accompanied by several stringent conditions which restricted the number of Nigerians traveling to the UAE
In its sustained effort to check the influx of Nigerians into the country, authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have imposed tougher visa restrictions on Nigeria.
In the latest visa policy, the Middle Eastern nation announced that it has banned transit visa applications for citizens of the West African country.
The latest policy will automatically engender a reduction in traffic from Nigeria to Dubai, UAE foremost destination for businesses and tourism.
According to the new visa regime, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 are also restricted from getting a tourist visa unless accompanied.
This is coming just about a year after the UAE and Nigeria resolved a two-year visa ban placed on Nigerians by the UAE authorities.
But the resolution of the visa impasse was accompanied by several stringent conditions which restricted the number of Nigerians traveling to the UAE.
However, travel agents stated that things will likely get worse in the coming days following the change in the visa process for Nigerians.
According to the new directives from Dubai immigration communicated to the travel agents on Tuesday, there would be no more Transit Visa applications.
The notification added, “For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for the TOURIST VISA CATEGORY.
“An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a Single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc.”
The UAE announcement of more stringent conditions for Nigerians visiting the country is coming barely 48 hours after the United States announced a new visa regime that halts multiple-entry visas for non-immigrant Nigerians and reduces the visa validity period to three months.
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