The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a N688,000 non-refundable fee for visa applications for travelers from Nigeria to the Arab country.
The decision comes soon after the abolishment of the ban introduced by the UEA to nationals from Nigeria, VisaGuide.World reports.
Before the ban, the visa application fee was $100 (N155,000). The fee, however, does not guarantee a visa to the UAE. The visa will only be valid for a period of 14 days of issuance or once the visa application has been processed by the visa application department, whichever comes first.
The Kingdom also requires proof of a bank account with a six-month statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 USD as well as round-trip flight tickets.
The documents that a traveler to the UAE is required to obtain, according to Document Verification Hub are the following ones:
- a valid Document Verification Number (DVN) from the website
- roof of bank account (six months” bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 USD)
- round-trip flight tickets,
- proof of hotel booking confirmed and paid
The visa fee must be paid by credit card at the UAE Visa Centre in Abuja, Nigeria. For Nigerians residing abroad, the visa fee can be paid at the nearest UAE Visa Centre.
UAE Has Abolished Visa Ban on Nigerians as of July 15
On July 15 the UAE abolished the travel ban imposed on Nigeria, as confirmed by the Minister of information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
However, there were some conditions imposed in this regard. Among them, was a compulsory document verification process for Nigerians above 13 years, before proceeding with the visa application process.
As part of the verification process, applicants are expected to provide information such as their name, country of residence, date of birth, as well as NIN, passport information, email address, travel arrivals and departure dates as well as a passport data page.
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 we have reached an agreement to allow the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian passport holders.
In June, following several meetings held with the UAE government, the Federal Government ensured Nigerians that the visa ban would soon be abolished.