After a two-year travel restriction, Nigerian passport holders can now obtain visas to travel to the United Arab Emirates, effective July 15, 2024, as announced by the Nigerian government.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, revealed this development to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
This decision follows successful negotiations between Nigeria and the UAE regarding the visa ban that had affected Nigerian travelers.
Minister Idris stated, “Nigeria has been engaged in discussions with the United Arab Emirates concerning visas for Nigerian passport holders traveling to the UAE. Today, an agreement has been reached, and starting from July 15th, Nigerian passport holders can now apply for visas to visit the United Arab Emirates.”
He added, “Further details will be provided later today through an official statement. However, I can confirm that the agreement has been finalized and is effective immediately. Nigerian passport holders wishing to travel to the UAE can now proceed with their visa applications.”
The UAE had suspended visa issuance to Nigerians over two years ago amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Emirates Airlines had previously announced plans to resume daily flights between Lagos and Dubai starting October 1, 2024.
