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Nigerian citizens need a Dubai visa issued before they travel; Nigeria is on the UAE's visa required list. After a ban that ran from , the UAE resumed visas for Nigerians in with an added verification step. Since then, Nigerian media have reported further limits on some categories. The safe approach: have the sponsor or agency confirm your category is being accepted before paying.
What happened, in order
| When | What changed | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UAE stopped issuing visas to Nigerian passport holders | Africanews, ThisDay | |
| Ban lifted. Nigerian applicants submit identity documents and travel history to get a verification number; children 13 and under exempt | Africanews, | |
| Nigerian media reported an agent notice: transit visa applications stopped, applicants aged 18 to 45 travelling alone not eligible for tourist visas, and bank statement rules for older applicants | Daily Trust via AllAfrica, |
The points reported in came from a notice to travel agents, not a published UAE government statement, and we found nothing official confirming or cancelling them. Treat them as possible conditions and check with the person applying for you.
Routes that remain
Family sponsorship. A relative who lives in the UAE applies to ICP for a 30, 60 or 90-day visit visa. ICP's income test: AED 4,000 a month for a parent, child or spouse, AED 8,000 for a sibling or cousin, AED 15,000 for a friend. A refundable guarantee of AED 1,000 (single entry) or AED 2,000 (multiple entry) is lodged. Family sponsorship is usually the clearest route for Nigerian visitors because the sponsor's residence and salary carry the file.
Tourist visa through a Dubai agency. GDRFA fees are AED 210 for 30 days and AED 315 for 60 days, single entry. Conditions: passport valid 6 months, return ticket and UAE-valid health insurance. Some agencies also ask for a refundable deposit, which can reach AED 3,500 on published price lists. Ask in writing when and how it is returned.
Nigerians living abroad. Nigeria is not among the seven nationalities ICP lets use a foreign residence for a visa on arrival, so a UK or US residence does not remove the need for a visa. Nigerians resident in a GCC country can ask about GDRFA's entry visa for GCC residents, which depends on the profession on the residence.
Documents to prepare
- Passport bio page scan, at least 6 months valid, clear and uncropped
- Recent photo on a white background
- Return flight booking
- Health insurance valid in the UAE
- Bank statements, if the agency or sponsor asks for them
- For family visits: the sponsor's Emirates ID, residence, salary proof and proof of the relationship
Keep scans sharp. Blurry passport pages are a common reason a file is returned, which costs time you may not have.
Avoid losing your fee
Do not pay a full visa fee to anyone who cannot tell you which category they are filing and whether it is open for Nigerian passports right now. Ask for the GDRFA or ICP fee as a separate line. Once issued, check the visa yourself on the GDRFA tool described on visa status check. Overstaying costs AED 50 a day and can affect future applications: see overstay fine in Dubai.
Our role
The partner team first checks which categories are currently accepted for Nigerian passports and tells you before any fee is paid. If a relative sponsors you, they prepare the ICP visit visa with the sponsor's documents; if not, they advise whether a tourist visa is realistic for your age and travel pattern. They file, track and send the e-visa. You get one total price up front, government fees and the service charge on separate lines. Message on WhatsApp or use the form.
Other West African passports: Ghana. All countries: Dubai visa by nationality.
