Less than a year after the UAE and Nigeria patched up a high-profile row over air-rights and visa suspensions, Abu Dhabi has imposed fresh restrictions on Nigerian passport-holders. According to an industry notice circulated to travel-agent portals on 24 November, all 96-hour transit-visa applications have been halted and tourist-visa eligibility for Nigerians aged 18–45 now requires a local sponsor or “exceptional justification.” Applicants over 45 must present personal bank statements showing a monthly closing balance of at least US$10,000 for the past six months.
Although no formal Cabinet Resolution has been published, the move fits a broader risk-profiling trend that has recently targeted travellers from conflict-affected or high-overstay countries. Mobility consultancies in Dubai report that tourist-to-employment status changes—commonly used by companies to onboard Nigerian hires—are effectively blocked under the new policy, increasing lead times for work-permit conversions.
![UAE quietly tightens entry rules for Nigerian nationals, suspends transit visas]()
For UAE-based multinationals with Nigerian clients or staff, the practical implications are significant. Sales teams may need to reroute meetings through Doha or Addis Ababa, while HR departments should budget for longer processing and potentially higher security-deposit requirements on work visas. Airlines may see softer load factors on Lagos-Dubai sectors just as winter-peak schedules ramp up.
Legal advisers recommend gathering robust financial evidence, notarised invitation letters and, where possible, corporate guarantees before lodging any UAE visa applications for Nigerian nationals. Companies should also monitor for possible reciprocal measures by Abuja that could affect UAE business travellers.
Although no formal Cabinet Resolution has been published, the move fits a broader risk-profiling trend that has recently targeted travellers from conflict-affected or high-overstay countries. Mobility consultancies in Dubai report that tourist-to-employment status changes—commonly used by companies to onboard Nigerian hires—are effectively blocked under the new policy, increasing lead times for work-permit conversions.
For UAE-based multinationals with Nigerian clients or staff, the practical implications are significant. Sales teams may need to reroute meetings through Doha or Addis Ababa, while HR departments should budget for longer processing and potentially higher security-deposit requirements on work visas. Airlines may see softer load factors on Lagos-Dubai sectors just as winter-peak schedules ramp up.
Legal advisers recommend gathering robust financial evidence, notarised invitation letters and, where possible, corporate guarantees before lodging any UAE visa applications for Nigerian nationals. Companies should also monitor for possible reciprocal measures by Abuja that could affect UAE business travellers.
