UAE resumes visa issuance to Nigerians

Nigerians will be able to apply for visas to the UAE starting July 15, according to an announcement by the country’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris. This development follows an agreement between the Nigerian government and the UAE, allowing Nigerian passport holders to obtain visas to travel to the GCC nation.

The announcement marks a significant milestone, coming more than two years after the UAE suspended visa issuance to Nigerians.

“Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the UAE and Nigeria, we have reached an agreement allowing the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian passport holders. This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa,” the statement read.

Idris, speaking to media in the Nigerian capital Abuja, said: “The agreement has been reached, and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so.”

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

FG, UAE Reach Agreement on Resumption of Travels for Nigerian Passport Holders

Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Government of the Federal Republic of… pic.twitter.com/uXpLenmA6r

— Mohammed Idris, FNIPR (@HMMohammedIdris) July 15, 2024

Flights between the UAE and Nigeria

The resumption of visas for Nigerians comes two months after flights were restarted between the two countries in May. The UAE had halted its international flights to Nigeria, for over two years, due to a payment backlog.

Nigeria’s central bank has since cleared around $137m in foreign exchange owed to international airlines.

This agreement represents a positive step towards strengthening diplomatic relations and enhancing travel opportunities between Nigeria and the UAE, added the statement.

Read: Emirates to resume Nigeria flights, ending two-year suspension