UAE opens door to Nigeria after two-year travel ban

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the governments of the UAE and Nigeria have reached an agreement allowing for the resumption of travel between the two countries, Nigeria's Information Minister Mohammed Idris said on Monday.

The UAE stopped issuing visas to Nigerians in 2022 after Emirates Airline suspended flights between the countries due to an inability to repatriate funds from Nigeria.

Nigeria's central bank has since cleared a backlog of around $137 million in foreign exchange owed to international airlines, paving the way for renewed negotiations.

Comprehensive visa process

Information Minister Idris said the deal includes the resumption of visa issuance to Nigerian passport holders for travel to the UAE, effective from Monday.

The new visa application process includes digital verification of identity and travel history, with specific provisions for applicants 13 years or younger. According to Nigeria Stories, for Nigerian citizens applying for a UAE visa, requirements include:

• A six-month bank statement demonstrating a minimum balance of $10,000.
• Proof of booked round-trip flight tickets.
• Confirmation of a paid hotel reservation.

Visa fees have surged to approximately $395 from the previous $100 rate, according to Business Day.

Nigerians seeking further details on visa conditions can visit the UAE's official website.

The development follows Emirates Airlines' announcement in May to resume daily flights from Lagos to Dubai starting October 1, 2024. In September 2023, President Bola Tinubu's meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi aimed to improve diplomatic relations between the two nations.