The United Arab Emirates has imposed major new restrictions on visa applications from Nigerian nationals, including a total suspension of transit visas and tighter rules for tourist entries.

In a notice to travel agents on Tuesday, Dubai immigration authorities confirmed that they will no longer process transit visa requests from Nigerians.

The directive also introduced stricter eligibility criteria for tourist visas. Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer qualify for a tourist visa unless they are accompanied.

“For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for the tourist visa category,” the notice read.

It further stated that Nigerians aged 45 and above must now submit a personal six-month bank statement, with each month showing a minimum balance of $10,000 (or its equivalent in naira), as a requirement for obtaining a tourist visa.

“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc.,” it added.

This development comes less than a year after the diplomatic resolution of a two-year visa ban previously imposed on Nigerian citizens by UAE authorities.

Although the travel restrictions were officially lifted in 2023 following high-level talks between both countries, the visa issuance process has remained selective and closely monitored.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s new measures coincide with similar restrictions announced by the United States.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of State introduced revised visa regulations for Nigerian nationals, stating that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas will now be limited to single-entry and valid for only three months.

A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja clarified that all visas issued before July 8, 2025, will remain valid and subject to their original terms and conditions.