Travel 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.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, is set to inaugurate Enugu Air on July 7.

In an advertorial on Sunday, Enugu state government said the airline will begin its maiden domestic flight operations.

In the advertorial, signed by Obi Ozor, commissioner for transport, Enugu state, the government expressed delight at announcing the launch of the state-owned commercial airline.

According to the statement, the airline is part of the integrated blueprint of the administration of Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu state, for a modern, multifaceted transport ecosystem, and its vision to make Enugu a major aviation hub.

“Starting with an initial fleet of three Embraer E170 and E190 series aircraft selected for their efficiency, comfort, and adaptability to the regional market, Enugu Air is poised to establish a golden triangle with Enugu of its core, connecting Abuja and Lagos and subsequently extending to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other strategic cities across Nigeria and beyond,” the advertorial reads.

With a strong foundation of innovation and sustainability, the government said it is “ready to redefine air travel,” and invited Nigerians to join the state as it takes “bold and historic stride”.

By Justice Okamgba

Air passengers flying out of Nigeria are paying one of the highest amounts in taxes and charges across Africa, with an average cost of $180 per international departure, nearly three times the continental average of $68, according to a new report by the African Airlines Association.

The study, titled AFRAA Taxes and Charges Study Review 2024, obtained by Sunday PUNCH, highlights how excessive taxes, fees, and charges are hurting the growth of the aviation industry in Africa and putting an unfair burden on travellers.

Nigeria ranks as the third most expensive country in Africa in terms of air ticket taxes and charges, trailing only Gabon and Sierra Leone. Other West African countries like Niger, Benin, and Ghana also made the top 10 list of the continent’s costliest nations for air travel taxes.

On average, a passenger flying internationally from Africa pays $68 in taxes and charges, twice the global average and significantly higher than in Europe or the Middle East.

But in countries like Nigeria, passengers are paying more than double that figure due to a combination of government-imposed taxes, airport fees, and service charges.

“Gabon topped the list of Africa’s most expensive countries for international air departures, with passengers paying an average of $297.70 in taxes. Sierra Leone followed closely at $294, while Nigeria ranked third with $180 in charges per international flight,” the document showed.

Other countries listed among the ten most expensive included Djibouti ($168.70), Niger ($130.70), Benin ($123.40), Senegal ($122.60), Liberia ($115), Ghana ($111.50), the Democratic Republic of Congo ($109.90), and Chad ($105.70).

In contrast, the report named Libya as the least expensive country, where air passengers pay just $1.30 in taxes. Other countries with minimal departure charges included Malawi ($5.00), Lesotho ($5.70), Algeria ($9.80), Eswatini ($14.20), Tunisia ($15.40), Botswana ($18.90), Morocco ($25.10), Sao Tome ($26.00), Angola ($28.40), and South Africa ($28.50).

The association attributed the problem to non-adherence to International Civil Aviation Organisation policies, fragmented tax regimes, and overreliance on aviation as a source of government revenue.

“Air transport is perceived as a luxury service across the continent,” the report said, “leading governments, airports and service providers to overcharge airlines, even though many are struggling to survive.”

The group warned that the excessive charges are discouraging travel, stifling regional connectivity, and undermining the growth of the aviation sector across Africa.

It urged governments to harmonise tax policies, reduce passenger charges, and explore alternative funding mechanisms for aviation infrastructure.

Out of 54 African countries studied, 14 charge passengers over $100 in taxes and fees, up from 13 countries in 2022, a sign of worsening conditions for airlines and travellers.

The President of the Association of Foreign Airlines’ Representatives in Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma, said high operational costs continue to drive up airfares, making it more expensive to fly from Nigeria to other African countries than to some destinations in Europe.

“Data doesn’t lie. Nigeria is one of the most expensive countries in Africa to do aviation business,” the executive told our correspondent. “It’s more expensive to fly from Nigeria to Togo or Yaoundé than it is to fly into Europe in some cases.”

Beyond the high exchange rate and aviation fuel, airlines also struggle with limited access to affordable aircraft leasing and unfavourable terms from lessors.

The Nigerian government has acknowledged some of the issues and continues to find a lasting solution. Among these, it recently cleared a backlog of nearly $900m in foreign airline revenues that had been trapped due to a shortage of foreign exchange.

This issue had previously caused airlines to raise fares for Nigerian routes. Authorities have since urged airlines to adjust ticket prices in line with the improved situation.

The government has also signed the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, intended to make aircraft leasing easier and more affordable for Nigerian carriers. Officials said this is expected to reduce operational costs in the long term.

The Ministry of Aviation led by Festus Keyamo has committed to supporting domestic airlines in acquiring aircraft at more favourable rates and accessing global markets for better leasing and financing terms. A review of airport-related charges is also underway, with the goal of easing the financial burden on both airlines and passengers.

According to Nwokoma, several foreign and local airlines have raised concerns about multiple charges levied by aviation authorities, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

“We have spoken about this several times to FAAN. The system needs to be reviewed. If airlines pay more, those costs will ultimately be passed on to travellers,” he said.

Nwokoma described the current charges in Nigeria as the highest on the continent and warned that unless regulatory authorities address these issues, the country risks losing competitiveness in regional air travel.

“The statistics are clear and factual. The only way out is to review and reduce the multiple charges placed on airlines,” he added.

An aviation executive who declined to be named backed Nwokoma’s position, describing Nigeria’s aviation charges as unsustainable and a key factor driving travellers to neighbouring countries.

“You think airlines are being multiple-taxed? Yes, they are,” the executive told Saturday PUNCH. “This is not new. Airlines have been complaining about this. It’s simple: go to Ghana, Mali, or Togo,  tickets are cheaper, and it’s also cheaper to export goods.”

The analyst also noted that high taxes and operational costs are forcing Nigerian travellers, especially students, to buy tickets from other West African countries where it is more affordable.

“Landing fees, parking fees, and other charges here are high. It has a direct impact on airfares. And it doesn’t end there, even agricultural exports are affected,” the source added.

“For instance, Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of yam, yet much of the yam exported from this region is labelled as a Ghanaian product because it’s cheaper and easier to export through Ghana.

The executive called for urgent reforms to reduce taxes and improve the ease of doing business in the aviation sector.

“If we want to compete globally and not continue shifting the cost burden to passengers, we need to fix our system. Our only advantage right now is population, but we are losing that edge when travellers and exporters find better alternatives next door.”

LAGOS, NIGERIA, July 9 (Reuters) - Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States on non-immigrant visas will now receive single-entry three-month permits, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria said, rolling back the up to five-year, multiple-entry visas they enjoyed previously.

"We wish to underscore that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity," the statement on the embassy's website said.

By Solomon Odeniyi

The British High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday announced a change to the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas.

Starting from 15 July 2025, most applicants in these categories will begin receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers in their passports, a statement from the BHC revealed.

The new policy will only apply to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who submit their applications before this date will still follow the existing procedure, which includes submitting their passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.

According to the statement, “From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport. “Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has advised air travellers to plan for flight delays to Port Harcourt following an incident involving an Air Peace aircraft.

The FAAN issued the advisory in a statement on Sunday, signed by Obiageli Orah, director of public affairs and consumer protection.

An Air Peace plane, on Sunday morning, reportedly veered off the runway after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

The airline, in a statement, said all passengers disembarked safely, with no injuries recorded.

Speaking on the development, the FAAN said flight P47190, with registration number 5N-BQQ, took off from Lagos and arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport around 7:45 am.

“The aircraft overshot runway 03 upon landing. We are relieved to report that there were no casualties,” the authority said.

“Evacuation of the 127 passengers has been completed safely with no casualties.

“In the interim, please plan for flight delays for any departing flights to Port Harcourt.”

The FAAN said additional information would be shared as it becomes available, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring passenger safety and security.

Luxury flats at the top of The Shard have been left empty after Rachel Reeves’s non-dom tax raid drove away wealthy buyers, the property’s Qatari backers say.

Real Estate Management (Rem), which is owned by the State of Qatar, said that it was “very disappointed” with lack of progress made on letting out 10 luxury flats on the 72-storey skyscraper’s upper levels, which are priced at between £30m and £50m each.

Rem said Ms Reeves’s tax changes for wealthy individuals was “driving many such investors away” from Britain and hammering demand for ultra-expensive property.

“The long-heralded change in UK tax rules applied to overseas residents, which were accelerated by the current UK administration to apply from April 2025, [has] had the feared impact of driving many such investors away from the UK to escape double taxation of their worldwide income,” it said in accounts.

“This group of wealthy overseas investors has been the core constituency for super-prime lettings in the UK.”

Ms Reeves abolished the non-dom status in April this year, while also bringing in sweeping inheritance tax changes. Those changes have been blamed for driving some of Britain’s wealthiest people away from the country.

The flats, on floors 53 to 65 of The Shard, were thought to have been priced between £30m and £50m after the skyscraper opened in 2012.

They have been empty ever since, amid speculation that Qatar’s royal family kept the flats for their own use while visiting London.

Rem is an investment adviser tasked with letting out the flats. The properties are owned by another Qatar-backed entity, LBQ Four.

The flats were made available for occupation in late 2023 after undergoing construction works, but despite “every effort” to let them their availability coincided with a “severe contraction” in the ultra-prime property market, Rem said.

Rem’s portfolio includes the Shard Quarter, The News Building and Park House on Oxford Street. It also owns The Shard’s viewing gallery, which has reported “difficult trading”.

Qatari Diar, the property division of the state’s sovereign wealth fund, bought 80pc of the skyscraper in 2008 after the project ran into financial difficulties. It later increased its stake to 95pc, with developer Sellar Property Group owning the remainder.

The difficulties at The Shard capped off a difficult period for Rem, with pre-tax profit falling from £8.1m to £7.5m in the year ending December 2024.

Rem also said it was struggling with recruiting and keeping skilled managerial and building staff, as well as the workforces of business partners contracted to undertake services across its property portfolio.

Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Donald Trump’s tariffs and falling commercial property values had created a “brew of uncertainty, investor hesitancy and a lack of stability”, it said.

The Treasury and Rem have both been contacted for comment.

BY Olasunkanmi Akinlotan and Princess Etuk

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has asked passengers to expect flight disruptions and delays following a Sunday morning flight incursion that occurred at the Harcourt International Airport runway.

The PUNCH earlier reported how Air Peace aircraft, operating Flight P47190 from Lagos to Port Harcourt, experienced a runway excursion upon landing at the Port Harcourt Airport.

The airline’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, told The PUNCH that aside from veering off the runway, all passengers and crew members disembarked unhurt from the aircraft.

The airline last recorded an incident in May 2025, when one of its aircraft collided with a large antelope on the runway at the Asaba airport. The impact decimated the animal but did not stop the aircraft from flying to Abuja.

In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Obiageli Orah, said the evacuation of the 127 passengers was completed safely with no casualties.

She said, “Air Peace flight P47190, registration number 5N-BQQ, departed from Lagos and landed at Port Harcourt International Airport at approximately 0745 hours.”

“The aircraft overshot runway 03 upon landing.

“We are relieved to report that there were no casualties. Evacuation of the 127 passengers has been completed safely with no casualties. In the interim, please plan for flight delays for any departing flights to Port Harcourt. Further details will be provided as they become available. FAAN remains committed to the safety and security of the passengers.”

While speaking on the development, Air Peace official, Efe, said, “Air Peace confirms that its Flight P47190, operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt this morning, had a runway excursion after landing safely at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

“The aircraft veered slightly off the runway without any damage. All passengers disembarked safely and calmly, and no injuries were reported.”

 The airline spokesperson, however, reassured passengers of “unflinching commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety in all our operations.”

Germany has agreed to let some UK airline passengers breeze through passport e-gates at its airports by the end of August, as announced by the Cabinet Office on Thursday. Initially, this fast-track entry will be available for frequent travellers.

The full roll-out for all UK nationals is on the horizon once Germany completes updates to its systems, paving the way for the EU's much-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES). The agreement is part of a bilateral treaty signed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during Merz's inaugural official trip to the UK.

Post-Brexit, UK holidaymakers have typically faced queuing at manned desks for passport checks at EU airports, missing out on the swift automated gates equipped with facial recognition technology. This has resulted in lengthy waits, especially during busy travel times.

The change is seen as a significant step in addressing one of Brexit's most tangible consequences. A UK-EU summit in May confirmed that there are no legal hurdles preventing UK citizens from using EU e-gates.

Following this, the Cabinet Office said that Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Portugal had already expanded e-gate access for British travellers.

EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "E-gates can make the slog of travelling through an airport that bit easier, which is why I have been working with the EU and member states to get more airports opened up to Brits abroad."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We're pioneering a new era of European rail connectivity and are determined to put Britain at the heart of a better-connected continent.

"The Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie - in just a matter of years, rail passengers in the UK could be able to visit these iconic sites direct from the comfort of a train, thanks to a direct connection linking London and Berlin."

She also highlighted the transformative potential of the agreement, which aims to offer millions a "faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying" for travel between the UK and Germany.

In May, the UK and Switzerland penned a memorandum of understanding to tackle obstacles hindering a direct rail connection. Shortly after, Eurostar revealed ambitions for new routes that would directly link the UK with Germany and Switzerland.

The company has put forward plans to operate trains from London St Pancras International to Frankfurt and Geneva starting in the "early 2030s". Travellers could expect journey times of around five hours to Frankfurt and five hours and 20 minutes to Geneva.

Currently, Eurostar enjoys exclusive rights to operate passenger services through the Channel Tunnel, yet various groups are crafting strategies to introduce competing services.

Nigerian travellers are seeking alternative destinations following fresh visa restrictions by the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada. The UAE recently imposed tougher entry conditions on Nigerian travellers and banned transit visa applications entirely. Similarly, Canada recently raised proof of funds to N17 million for express entry applicants. 

Also, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria said Nigerians seeking to travel to the nation on non-immigrant visas will now receive single-entry three-month permits, ratheNigerian travellers are seeking alternative destinations following fresh visa restrictions by the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada. 

The UAE recently imposed tougher entry conditions on Nigerian travellers and banned transit visa applications entirely. Similarly, Canada recently raised proof of funds to N17 million for express entry applicants. 

Also, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria said Nigerians seeking to travel to the nation on non-immigrant visas will now receive single-entry three-month permits, rathe