Nigerian citizens can get a UAE visa again, but only by applying in advance, and they face tighter checks than most nationalities. The UAE suspended visas for Nigerians in October 2022 and resumed issuing them on 15 July 2024, with an added identity and travel-history verification step. There is no visa on arrival for an ordinary Nigerian passport. Everything below is as of September 2026; check with your airline or a licensed agent before paying, because rules for Nigerian applicants have changed several times.
| Visa on arrival | No. Nigerians must hold an approved visa before travel. |
|---|---|
| Current status | Tourist visas issued since 15 July 2024, with extra verification |
| Who submits the application | UAE airline, licensed travel agent, hotel or UAE resident sponsor |
| Government fee (GDRFA Dubai) | AED 200 (30 days) or AED 300 (60 days), plus 5% VAT |
| Transit visa | Reported suspended for Nigerians since July 2025 |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from entry |
Timeline: how UAE visa rules for Nigerians changed
| Date | What changed |
|---|---|
| October 2022 | The UAE stopped issuing visas to Nigerian passport holders during a diplomatic and airline dispute. |
| 15 July 2024 | Nigeria's government announced the ban was lifted after talks between President Tinubu and the UAE. Applicants must complete a verification step covering identity and travel history. |
| July 2025 | Nigerian travel agents reported a notice from Dubai immigration: no transit visas for Nigerians, no tourist visas for applicants aged 18 to 45 travelling alone, and six months of bank statements with a USD 10,000 monthly balance for applicants over 45. |
| September 2026 | Visas are being issued, but approval is stricter than for most nationalities. The 2025 conditions were not published on an official UAE government site, so confirm what your agent applies. |
Not sure whether the age or bank-balance conditions affect your trip? Tell us who is travelling.
Check my situationWhich UAE visa Nigerian passport holders can apply for
The standard choice is a pre-approved tourist visa, issued electronically. Travelling with family or visiting a UAE resident relative can make approval easier, because the reported 2025 rules focus on young adults travelling alone.
| Visa | Stay | Government fee | Notes for Nigerians |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa | 30 days | AED 200 + 5% VAT | Via airline, agent or hotel; extra checks |
| Tourist visa | 60 days | AED 300 + 5% VAT | Longer stays need stronger proof of funds |
| Family visit visa | Varies | Varies | Sponsored by a UAE resident relative |
| Transit visa | Short | Not applicable | Reported not processed for Nigerians |
Airlines and agents add service charges, and some ask for a refundable deposit. For multiple-entry and longer options in general, see our UAE tourist visa guide.
Documents Nigerian applicants should prepare
- Passport bio page: colour scan, valid at least six months from your entry date.
- Photo: recent, white background.
- Bank statements: in your own name, recent and verifiable. If you are over 45, reports say six months of statements with a USD 10,000 monthly balance may be requested.
- Hotel booking or host details: covering all nights.
- Confirmed return ticket.
- Verification details: identity and previous travel information for the verification step introduced in 2024.
Our UAE tourist visa documents checklist covers photo and passport specifications. For the application path from Lagos or Abuja, common rejection reasons and how to spot agent scams, read our guide to applying for a Dubai visa from Nigeria.
Practical points before you book
- Do not buy non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
- If you are transiting through a UAE airport to another country, stay airside and confirm with your airline that no UAE visa is needed for your connection.
- The UAE overstay fine is AED 50 per day as of September 2026; see our UAE overstay fines guide.
- Several governments raised their UAE travel advice in 2026 because of regional security risks, and a drone strike near Dubai International in March 2026 halted flights for more than seven hours. Buy travel insurance that covers disruption.
Once your visa is sorted, our Dubai guide for Nigerian travellers covers areas, costs and itineraries. To compare your passport with others, see do I need a visa for Dubai.
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