The United Arab Emirates has eased its visa application conditions for Nigerian travelers, with new rules communicated by Emirates through VFS Global.
Under the revised guidelines, applicants aged between 18 and 41 yearsare now required to present proof of funds when applying for30/60-day tourist visas or 48/96-hour transit visas.
Previously, financial documentation applied more broadly, but the new policy limits the requirement to younger travelers. Those within the specified age bracket must provide six months of bank statements showing a closing balance of at least $10,000 per month. Families applying jointly must show a minimum of $20,000 per month.
Other mandatory documents remain unchanged, including a confirmed Emirates flight ticket, hotel reservations with dates matching travel details, a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, and marriage or birth certificates for family applicants. Non-Nigerian nationals must also provide copies of their valid CERPAC and residence permits.
The UAE authorities noted that the adjustment aims to simplify visa processing while maintaining compliance standards. With the relaxed rules, applicants above 41 years are exempt from financial proof requirements, making the process less demanding for older travelers.
According to emails sent to its clients, Emirates Airlines, highlighted the requirements for travellers to the Middles East Country to include:
Dubai 30/60-Day Tourist Visa
Mandatory Documents: Visa application form duly filled.
“A photocopy of the confirmed onward or return Emirates ticket along with the passenger’s name with the arrival and return dates. It must match the dates on the hotel reservation. The passenger’s name and the period of stay should be highlighted in Yellow when submitting the ticket for visa application.
One coloured recent passport-size photograph with white background, front facing.
“Coloured photocopy of the main (bio) page of the Ordinary/Normal Passport (Valid for a minimum period of 6 months at the time of travel). Passports containing special characters such as brackets in the name will not be accepted and must be amended prior to visa submission.
“Applicants must provide a valid visa for the destination country they are traveling to from the UAE.
Confirmed hotel voucher with confirmation number, applicant’s name, check-in, check-out dates highlighted in yellow for the entire stay. ( Check- in, Check- out dates on the hotel confirmation must match the dates on flight tickets ). Note that only up to two hotel bookings are allowed for the entire stay period. If visiting Family or Friends: Provide a valid tenancy contract /Ejari or title deed of the host, if the sponsor has an apartment with two or more bedrooms, UAE resident card.( Highlight the tenant’s name in yellow).
“The visa application form must include an accurate address in the UAE, valid contact number and email address for the passenger.
“A colour copy of the valid CERPAC and residence Permit Visa is required for non-Nigerian nationals.
Applicants aged between 18 to 41 years travelling alone or with family must provide the last six months’ bank statements with each month’s balance not less than $10,000 (or equivalent) in a single bank statement. If travelling with family, a joint bank statement is accepted; the closing balance must be US $20,000 or more each month. Marriage certificates for couples and birth certificates for children are mandatory requirements.
Dubai 48/96hrs Transit Visa: Mandatory Documents
“Visa Application form duly filled must include an accurate address in the UAE, valid contact number and email address for the passenger.
Confirmed onward /return ticket copy of Emirates airline. highlighting the applicant’s name, entry and exit from the UAE in yellow.
“One coloured recent passport-size photograph with white background, front facing.
Coloured photocopy of Ordinary/Normal Passport main (Bio) page (Valid for minimum period of 6 months at the time of travel). Passports containing special characters such as brackets in the name will not be accepted and must be amended prior to visa submission.
“Confirmed hotel booking. Applicant’s name and check-in/out dates highlighted in yellow (Check- in, Check- out dates on the hotel confirmation must match the dates on flight tickets)
“Applicants must provide a valid visa for the destination country they are traveling to from the UAE.
Marriage certificate for couples and birth certificate for children is mandatory requirement.
For Non-Nigerian Nationals – Colour Copy of the valid CERPAC and residence Permit Visa. A valid visa for the destination country travelling to and arriving from UAE.
“Applicants aged between 18 to 41 years travelling alone or with family must provide the last six months’ bank statements with each month’s balance not less than $10,000 (or equivalent) in a single bank statement. If travelling with family, a joint bank statement is accepted; the closing balance must be US $20,000 or more each month. Marriage certificates for couples and birth certificates for children are mandatory requirements.”
