Nigeria News

UAE lifts visa ban for Nigerian travellers after two years

The Federal Government has reached an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to permit Nigerian passport holders to obtain visas for travel to the UAE starting today, July 15, 2024.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, announced this on Monday during a briefing with State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

“Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an agreement was reached allowing for the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian passport holders,” he said.

“This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa.

“The resumption of visas will be effective from July 15, 2024.”

The minister added that Nigerians wishing to learn more about the updated visa conditions from the UAE can visit the country’s website.

This announcement comes more than two years after the UAE suspended visa issuance to Nigerians due to a prolonged diplomatic row with Africa’s most populous nation.

It also comes about two months after UAE national carrier Emirates Airlines announced the resumption of flights to Nigeria. In May, the airline stated that its daily Lagos-Dubai flights would resume from October 1, 2024.

Emirates Airlines had suspended its Dubai-Lagos flights in 2022 due to an inability to repatriate trapped funds in Nigeria amidst the diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Nigeria and the UAE have a long history of flight restrictions based on unresolved issues surrounding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). Visa restrictions later emerged as diplomatic tensions continued between Nigeria and the UAE, which is a popular destination for Nigerian migrants and tourists.

In September 2023, President Bola Tinubu met with UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi to smoothen the rough edges in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Probe panel: Ortom defeats Benue state govt at appeal court

The Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, on Thursday set aside the ruling of the Benue…

8 hours ago

Police take action over murder of lawyer Mark Ofikwu in Otukpo

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of prominent Otukpo-based lawyer and…

9 hours ago

BREAKING: Reps reject bill proposing six-year single tenure for president, governors

A bill proposing a six-year single term for the office of the president and state…

11 hours ago

BREAKING: Senate approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77 Trillion loan request to address 2024 Budget deficit

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2b) loan request following a voice…

12 hours ago

Finland arrests Simon Ekpa, four others over terrorism financing

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in Finland for involvement…

12 hours ago

BREAKING: Biafra: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, and four other persons have been arrested in Finland over…

12 hours ago