Check Visa Requirements by Passport

Pick your passport and destination for live requirements — fees, documents, processing times, stay rules and embassy details for your nationality.

Nigeriapassport United Arab Emiratesdestination
Multiple entry ApprovalMedium Transit visaConditional

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At a glance

Nigeria passport holders: Multiple entry for United Arab Emirates. Fee: AED 350 (~USD 95.3). Processing: 3-5 working days (eVisa). Indicative only — always verify with the official mission before applying.

Overview

UAE imposed Nigerian visa SUSPENSION Oct 2022 over diplomatic dispute (overstays, deportation issues) — LIFTED 2024 with new strict regime. Currently: UAE eVisa available for Nigerians: AED 350 (~USD 95 / NGN 129,200) for 30-day single; AED 700 multi-entry. Visa-on-Arrival also available for Nigerians at all UAE airports with valid US/UK/EU visa, residence, or green card (AED 100 for 14-day). UAE has significant Nigerian diaspora (~30,000 — Dubai/Sharjah trade, hospitality, healthcare).

Visa types: eVisa (Tourist 30/60 days, single/multi-entry); Visa-on-Arrival at airports (14-day, AED 100 with valid US/UK/EU visa); Tourist Visa (sponsor); Business Visa; Work Visa via MOHRE (Nigerian construction, hospitality, retail, healthcare — significant category); Investor Visa; Golden Visa (10-year, popular for HNI Nigerians + skilled professionals); Student; Family/Spouse (sponsor's salary AED 4,000+/month with accommodation); Transit (96-hour Etihad/Emirates passengers); Diplomatic.

Fees & funds

Visa fee (local)AED 350 (eVisa 30-day Tourist)
In USDUSD 95
In NGNNGN 129,200
Minimum bank balanceUSD 100/day
Service feeVFS service fee: USD 25-40 on top of visa fee

Stay & validity

Validity: 60 days from issue. Max Stay: 30/60 days (Tourist). Work residence per contract (typically 2-3 years renewable).

Extension possibleConditional

Overstay penalty: Daily fine ~USD 30-80; deportation; possible re-entry ban 1-3 years

How to apply

MethodeVisa portal / GDRFA / UAE Embassy Abuja (direct mission) / VFS UAE Abuja/Lagos
Application centreVFS Global
Processing time3-5 working days (eVisa)
AppointmentYes · Book
InterviewConditional
Urgent processingNo

Requirements

Bank Statement Yes Yes (USD 100/day)
Return Ticket Yes
Hotel Booking Yes
Sponsor Doc Conditional Conditional (Family/Work)
Invitation Letter Yes Yes (Family/Work)
Vaccination Conditional Yellow Fever (carried)
Travel Insurance Mandatory Mandatory (DHA-approved)
Biometrics Yes Yes (Work/Residence)
Police Clearance Yes Yes (Work)
Employment Letter Yes Yes (Work)

Passport & photo

Passport validity6+ months
Photo size35 × 45 mm · White bg

Required documents: Valid passport (6+ months); eVisa: Online application + photo + payment; NIN; Yellow Fever cert (carried); For Family Sponsorship: sponsor's Emirates ID + salary cert (AED 4,000+) + tenancy contract; For Work via MOHRE: employer's work permit + medical fitness (DHA Gamca Nigeria - Lagos/Abuja) + Emirates ID processing + insurance; For Tourist: hotel booking + return ticket + bank statement.

Visa types (2)

Tourist
Multiple AED 350 (~USD 95.3) 3-5 working days (eVisa)

UAE imposed Nigerian visa SUSPENSION Oct 2022 over diplomatic dispute (overstays, deportation issues) — LIFTED 2024 with new strict regime. Currently: UAE eVisa available for Nigerians: AED 350 (~USD 95 / NGN 129,200) for 30-day single; AED 700 multi-entry. Visa-on-Arrival also available for Nigerians at all UAE airports with valid US/UK/EU visa, residence, or green card (AED 100 for 14-day). UAE has significant Nigerian diaspora (~30,000 — Dubai/Sharjah trade, hospitality, healthcare).

Transit 48h (free) / 96h Transit Visa
Single AED 50 (~USD 13.61) 2-4 working days

UAE transit visa - airline-sponsored permit for Nigerian passport holders to leave the airport during a Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Sharjah layover. 48-hour (free) or 96-hour (AED 50) options; pure airside transit needs no visa.

Common rejection reasons

Common NG rejections: (1) 2022 visa ban created backlog of suspicion — UAE remains strict on Nigerians; (2) Past UAE overstays heavily flagged — large Nigerian workforce monitored; (3) Work visa fraud — fake employer letters; (4) Family visit sponsor's salary below AED 4,000 threshold; (5) Medical fitness failure (TB, HIV, Hepatitis at DHA Gamca Lagos/Abuja); (6) Past absconding from employers (file open in MOHRE); (7) Female applicants for domestic worker — anti-trafficking screening; (8) Forged academic certs (UAE strict on attestation chain MFA Nigeria + UAE Embassy Abuja); (9) Tourist visa misuse for work — Dubai/Abu Dhabi airport heavy screening on Nigerian arrivals; (10) Salik fines / Police record from previous stays; (11) Direct UAE embassy in Abuja makes process available but selective; (12) Nigerian Igbo trader community in Dubai's Deira/Naif under additional scrutiny.

Good to know

United Arab Emirates visa FAQ for Nigeria passport holders

Do I need a visa to visit United Arab Emirates with a Nigeria passport?
Yes — Nigeria passport holders need a visa for United Arab Emirates (Multiple entry). Apply via eVisa portal / GDRFA / UAE Embassy Abuja (direct mission) / VFS UAE Abuja/Lagos.
How much does a United Arab Emirates visa cost for Nigeria passport holders?
The United Arab Emirates visa fee is USD 95 (about NGN 129,200). Additional service, biometric or courier charges may apply on top.
How long does it take to get a United Arab Emirates visa?
Typical processing for a United Arab Emirates visa is 3-5 working days (eVisa). Apply well ahead of your travel date and allow for appointment availability.
How long can I stay in United Arab Emirates on this visa?
A United Arab Emirates visa for Nigeria passport holders typically allows a stay of Validity: 60 days from issue. Max Stay: 30/60 days (Tourist). Work residence per contract (typically 2-3 years renewable).. Extensions may be possible (Conditional).
How do I apply for a United Arab Emirates visa from Nigeria?
Apply for your United Arab Emirates visa via eVisa portal / GDRFA / UAE Embassy Abuja (direct mission) / VFS UAE Abuja/Lagos. An appointment is required. Your passport should be valid 6+ months.