The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced stringent new entry requirements for Nigerian travelers, significantly impacting those seeking to visit Dubai, a popular destination for both business and tourism. Travel agents confirmed the updates on Tuesday, highlighting a major shift in immigration policies.

Under the new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerian nationals aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied by an adult. This change marks a significant tightening of entry conditions, aimed at enhancing security measures and regulating the flow of travelers.

For applicants aged 45 and above, the requirements have become even more stringent. Visa seekers must now present a personal bank statement covering the last six months, demonstrating a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent). This financial threshold is intended to ensure that applicants possess sufficient funds for their stay in the UAE.

Travel agents have indicated that these new policies are expected to drastically reduce the volume of travel from Nigeria to Dubai. “For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years traveling alone is not eligible for the TOURIST VISA CATEGORY,” read a notification issued to agents. “An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a single Nigerian personal bank statement for the last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum of $10,000 or its naira equivalent.”

The notification further urged applicants to consider these conditions carefully before submitting their visa applications, along with other required documents, such as hotel reservations and passport data pages.

As these regulations come into effect, many are likely to rethink their travel plans to the UAE, emphasizing the growing challenges faced by Nigerian nationals in securing visas to popular international destinations.