The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied requiring $10k bank balance, N640k visa application fee from Nigerians. The UAE clarified that Nigeria is not exempt from the standard visa application process.
On Monday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation announced that the the three-year travel ban from the UAE had been lifted.
While the news was welcomed, Nigerians expressed cautious optimism, mainly because a similar announcement in September 2023 had proven false.
The latest update shows that Nigerian passport holders, starting July 15, 2024, can now obtain visas to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the exorbitant associated cost has made Nigerians interpret the development as the UAE indirectly maintaining restrictions, by making it financially difficult for Nigerians to travel there.
UAE Visa conditions
Before a Nigerian can apply for a visa to travel to the UAE, they must first obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN).
You also need a bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 USD, according to the UAE’s Document Verification Hub. “You will be charged a total of ₦640 000 (six hundred forty thousand Nigerian Naira) excluding VAT for each application. Once paid, this fee is non-refundable,” the information on the page reads.
UAE denies knowledge of conditions
However, a recent report by The Cable has revealed that the DV Hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
When asked whether Nigerians are required to make payments for document verification, the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism referred The Cable to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
“You will need a personal photo and a copy of your passport which must not have less than six months validity,” the GDRFAD said.
A tourist visa costs about 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000) depending on the stay.
“You will also need a travel ticket and valid medical insurance within the UAE,” the GDRFAD added.
When asked about the need to have a bank balance of $10,000, the directorate said: “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”
Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for Nigeria’s ministry of Foreign Affairs, told TheCable that clarification on the DVN would be sought and provided from the ministry’s office in the Middle East.
