The United Arab Emirates has lifted a 21-month-long visa ban on Nigerians.
Nigeria’s Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, announced on Monday that the UAE’s decision to lift the ban, which had been in place since October 2022, followed “mutually beneficial negotiations” between both governments. He mentioned new controls and conditions that Nigerian visitors must adhere to, including providing identity documents and travel history to obtain a verification number for visa applications. An exemption is granted to applicants aged 13 and younger, as per the UAE government website.
The UAE had imposed the ban citing issues such as alleged improper conduct and attempts to bypass visa regulations. Tensions escalated when Nigeria reduced Emirates Airlines’ weekly flights from 21 to one, reportedly in response to the UAE’s denial of multiple flights per week to Nigerian carrier Air Peace.
In late 2022, Emirates suspended all flights to Nigeria, citing challenges in repatriating earnings. Since assuming office in May 2023, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu engaged in discussions, including with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to resolve the standoff.
The lifting of the visa ban coincided with Emirates’ announcement in May to resume daily flights between Lagos and Dubai starting in October, highlighting the route’s historical popularity among Nigerian travelers. Additionally, Emirates plans to offer substantial weekly cargo capacity on its passenger flights connecting Lagos and Dubai.