After two years of travel restrictions, Nigerian passport holders can now apply for visas to travel to the United Arab Emirates, starting from July 15, 2024, according to the Nigerian government.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The decision follows an agreement between Nigeria and the UAE regarding the visa ban that had affected Nigerian travelers to the Arab nation.
Minister Idris stated, “Nigeria has been in discussions with the United Arab Emirates regarding visas for Nigerian passport holders traveling to the UAE. Today, an agreement has been reached, and effective from today, July 15th, Nigerian passport holders can now obtain visas to travel to 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 intending 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 its daily Lagos-Dubai flights starting October 1, 2024.