The United Arab Emirates has suspended transit visas and imposed stricter entry conditions on Nigerian Passport holders. This is which is causing the challenges faced by citizens who want admission to this Gulf nation.
The latest incident, which was confirmed this week, impacts Nigerians trying to travel by Dubai or other UAE airports to travel towards other nations. Based on reports, numerous travellers have been refused entry or detained at airports in the last couple of days.
No More Transit Stopovers for Nigerians
Before, Nigerian travellers were able to obtain transit visas for short-term travel when connecting flights via the major UAE airports. The problem is that Emirates officials in charge of immigration have halted that access–even for passengers with valid tickets for flights to other destinations.
This means Nigerian citizens are able to no longer make use of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as layover points unless they have direct entry permits to their destination.
Entry Tighter, Scrutiny Stricter
Alongside the travel visa ban, Nigerians looking for standard tourist or visitor visas are now subject to more stringent vetting requirements, particularly for those who fly on their own or for first-time visitors. Immigration officers are said to be refusing applicants who are considered risky or lacking information about their travel or documents.
Insiders from travel claim that the UAE is working on reducing the risk of illegal immigration and tightening the border controls across specific African countries and Nigeria is reported to be on top of that list.
Affected Travelers Speak Out
Many Nigerian passengers who travel on Middle East carriers have reported sudden visa cancellations or refusals at the point of embarking, even after obtaining ticket confirmations and tickets.
A Lagos-based traveller was detained for several hours and then required to leave despite having a previously accepted visa. Other travellers have complained about cancellations at the last minute that were not accompanied by formal explanations.
Tourist and Business Visas Under Review
Sources tell us that UAE immigration officials are reevaluating their approval of business and tourist visas to Nigerians. Candidates are now required to submit solid financial proof along with travel records and lodging reservations–a departure from previous flexibility in processing.
Certain airlines have also informed representatives in Nigeria to suspend booking flights for specific categories of UAE-bound flights until the next time.
Not the First Time
It’s not the first time Nigerians have been subject to travel restrictions for diplomatic purposes in the UAE. In 2022, the Emirates stopped the issuance of visas to Nigerian applicants without an explanation in the form of “administrative concerns.” Full operations were resumed in 2023, but tensions returned.
Diplomatic Implications
The UAE’s actions are amidst tensions between the bilateral ties that exist between Abu Dhabi and Abuja over the unresolved issue of visas and aviation. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the visa issue is not resolved, causing concern among business and student travellers and Nigerian residents of Dubai.
At present, there has been an official statement by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressing the most recent restrictions.
What This Means for Nigerian Travelers
- There is no transit access to the UAE except if you have a visa that is direct to the destination.
- Greater scrutiny for work, tourist visas, and visit visas.
- Unpredictable travel interruptions regardless of who has prior approvals.
It is recommended that travellers verify all visa requirements and approvals with their airline and the UAE Embassy before beginning any journey that involves a UAE route.
To stay up-to-date regarding visa restrictions worldwide and diplomatic matters, be sure to subscribe at GazetteNewes247.com.
