UAE Visa Biometric Capture in Nigeria: What Every Applicant Needs to Know

Admin X April 19, 2025News & Tips

Biometric Capture for UAE Visa Applicants: What You Need to Know

Biometric capture is required for applicants whose UAE visa is issued as a “Half Visa.” When a visa application is submitted, the approval typically falls into one of two categories:

✅ 1. UAE eVisa

An eVisa is a type of visa issued entirely online and does not require biometric capture. Once approved, it can be printed and used to travel to the UAE from anywhere in the world. It’s convenient, fast, and fully valid without any physical appearance at the visa center.

✅ 2. Half Visa

A Half Visa is a conditional visa that requires the applicant to visit the UAE Visa Center in Abuja for biometric capture. It becomes fully valid only after this process is completed. Unlike the eVisa, which is issued as a printed copy, a Half Visa is physically stamped into your passport—similar to the US or UK visa—after successful biometric enrollment. That’s why it is referred to as a “Half Visa.”

Important Notes:

• Both visa types (eVisa and Half Visa) follow the same application process, cost the same amount, and require the same documents.
• It is entirely the decision of the UAE Immigration Authority to issue either an eVisa or a Half Visa.
• Applicants cannot choose or influence which type they receive.

Biometric Capture Requirements (For Half Visa Applicants)

Before you can be enrolled in the biometric system at the UAE Visa Center in Abuja, the following documents are required:

1. Application Control Code (ACC)
   Issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), this clearance is mandatory for all Nigerian tourists traveling to the UAE. It can be obtained through the Documents Verification Hub.
2. Six (6) Months Bank Statement – Printed copy.
3. Hotel Reservation – Printed booking confirmation.
4. Return Flight Ticket – Printed travel itinerary.

⚠️ Note: While all four documents are required, the ACC is the most important. The dates on the other documents (hotel/ticket) do not need to be exact or fixed.

Biometric Payment Fee

Before enrollment, a biometric processing fee must be paid at the Visa Center.
As of April 18, 2025, the fee is ₦116,000.
This amount is subject to change weekly based on current exchange rates.

⏱️ What Happens After Biometric Capture

Once biometric capture is complete and all documents are verified, they are uploaded to the UAE Immigration system for final approval.

• Approval Time: Usually within 3 minutes to 48 hours
• Name Corrections: Applications needing corrections may take up to 5 working days

If the correction is not approved within 5 days by the ICP, applicants are advised to cancel the visa and reapply.

Need help with your application or biometric enrollment? UAE Visa Nigeria is here to guide you through every step.