After a three-year hiatus, Nigerian passport holders can now travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) once again. However, the resumption of travel comes with a set of new requirements and significantly higher costs compared to the pre-dispute era.
The announcement, made by Information Minister Mohammed Idris on Monday, highlights the resolution reached through “successful talks and extensive negotiations” between the two nations. While details surrounding the dispute remain undisclosed, the new visa conditions suggest a stricter approach by the UAE government.
New Visa Requirements Raise Concerns
One of the most significant changes is the mandatory acquisition of a Document Verification Number (DVN) costing a non-refundable ₦640,000 (around $1,470) excluding VAT. This fee applies to each application and needs to be paid upfront before proceeding with the visa application itself.
Furthermore, Nigerian travelers must now present a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000, potentially excluding a large portion of the population from eligibility. Round-trip flight tickets and confirmed hotel bookings are also mandatory requirements for visa applications.
Impact on Nigerian Travelers
The high cost of the DVN and the minimum bank balance requirement are likely to raise concerns among Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE. These new conditions could disproportionately affect those with lower incomes or limited access to credit.
Looking Ahead: Uncertainties Remain
While the resumption of travel is a positive development, the long-term implications of these new visa restrictions are unclear. Whether they represent a temporary measure or a long-term shift in UAE visa policy for Nigerians remains to be seen. The Nigerian government has not yet commented on the new requirements, leaving some Nigerians questioning the fairness and accessibility of travel to the UAE.
