Adventure ToursUAE Ends Visa Ban, Emirates Resumes Flights and Reopens Visa Portal for Nigerians
In a major development for Nigerian travelers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially lifted its visa ban on Nigerians, and Emirates Airlines is set to resume flights between Lagos and Dubai starting October 1, 2024, after a two-year suspension.
Emirates, the UAE’s flagship carrier, has reopened its ticket booking platform to Nigerian passengers, offering a range of fares from $665.30 (₦1,059,969.41) for economy class to $8,852 for first class. This marks a positive turning point following years of strained aviation and immigration ties between both nations.
The flight suspension, initially enforced due to the airline’s inability to repatriate over $85 million from ticket sales in Nigeria, was further compounded by a UAE-wide visa restriction placed on Nigerian passport holders. This move halted most forms of legal travel between Nigeria and the UAE.
In recent months, however, the Federal Government of Nigeria has been in active negotiations with UAE authorities and Emirates Airlines to restore travel and diplomatic relations. The outcome of these efforts is now clear: visa processing has resumed, and the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) is now accepting applications from Nigerian travelers.
“We are excited to inform you that the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) has reopened and they are now accepting visa applications for passengers travelling to Dubai,” Emirates communicated to its Nigerian travel partners.
UAE Grants Amnesty for Overstayers
In addition to resuming visa services, the UAE has also introduced a two-month visa amnesty, effective September 1, aimed at individuals currently residing in the country illegally. This amnesty allows overstayers—including those with expired visas or without formal documentation—to regularize their status or exit the country without facing penalties.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announced that the amnesty covers all visa types, including tourist and residency visas. Many Nigerians in the UAE are expected to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Those of us who have overstayed can take advantage of the amnesty window to return home. All charges and levies are being waived,” a Nigerian resident in the UAE told our correspondent.
Warning Against Fake Visa Platforms
As visa processing resumes, the Nigerian government has also warned citizens to avoid fake visa application websites. A fake platform claiming that Nigerian applicants needed to pay a ₦640,000 verification fee and provide proof of $10,000 in their bank accounts was recently exposed. The UAE has since denied these claims and confirmed they are not part of the official visa requirements.
Final Notes
While Emirates has confirmed the resumption of services and the visa portal is now live, some restrictions may still apply to specific visa categories or individuals. Travelers are advised to use only authorized visa agents or official platforms for their applications.
For trusted visa support, UAE Visa Nigeria remains your go-to partner for smooth, safe, and fast visa processing tailored to Nigerian travelers.
