MARKET NEWS

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed stringent new entry restrictions on Nigerian travellers, tightening access to one of the most popular destinations for business and leisure in the Middle East.

Multiple travel agents confirmed on Tuesday that under fresh directives from Dubai immigration authorities, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied by family or in groups.

The new guidelines also introduce steep financial requirements for older travellers. Nigerians aged 45 and above must now submit a personal bank statement covering the past six months, with each month showing a minimum ending balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent) before they can be considered for a tourist visa.

“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,” read a notificaion issued by Dubai immigration, which has since been circulated by travel agents.

“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.”

In addition to these requirements, the UAE has banned transit visa applications entirely for Nigerian passport holders, a move that industry insiders say will further limit Nigerians’ ability to connect flights through Dubai, a major international hub.

Travel experts expect the policy to significantly curtail travel from Nigeria to Dubai, a city that has long been a magnet for shoppers, holidaymakers, and entrepreneurs seeking business opportunities in the Gulf.

“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 advisory stated.

While UAE authorities have not given an official explanation for the sweeping restrictions, the move comes amid long standing diplomatic and migration-related tensions between both countries. Many travellers now face the prospect of rethinking their plans or meeting higher financial thresholds at a time when the naira remains volatile.

Industry watchers say the new rules could push more Nigerians to look for alternative destinations or routes, with ripple effects likely for airlines and tour operators that rely heavily on the Dubai market.