Lagos, Nigeria – July 16, 2024: Air travellers in Nigeria are voicing their frustration over the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) decision to hike visa fees by over 300% following the recent lifting of a visa ban on Nigerian citizens. The new fee of N640,000 has sparked widespread condemnation among prospective travellers.
Many Nigerians are comparing the steep UAE visa fees to the relatively lower costs of visas to other countries, such as the United Kingdom, and are urging the Nigerian government to engage more effectively with the UAE to address the issue.
Social media has been ablaze with reactions. Many users have suggested that the Nigerian government’s efforts to lift the travel ban seem to benefit wealthy individuals and politicians rather than ordinary citizens. Others pointed out that the hefty N640,000 fee, which is non-refundable and has an expiration date, indicates the UAE’s reluctance to welcome Nigerians.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the lifting of the visa ban following a Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu. Idris stated that an agreement with the UAE had been reached, allowing Nigerian passport holders to travel to the UAE without any hindrance. He directed those seeking information on the updated UAE visa conditions to visit documentverificationhub.ae.
However, the relief was short-lived as the new visa fee structure was revealed. Previously, the fee was $100, approximately N155,500 at the current exchange rate of N1,555 to the dollar. The new fee represents a 311.58% increase. Additionally, the N640,000 fee does not guarantee a visa, as the Document Verification Number is only valid for 14 days or until the visa application is processed.
The UAE had imposed the visa ban on Nigeria due to various diplomatic disputes. Additionally, Dubai’s Emirates Airline halted flights to Nigeria because the Central Bank of Nigeria failed to remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE. In June, following several meetings, the Nigerian government assured that the visa ban would soon be lifted and announced it had paid 98% of a $850 million debt.
The drastic increase in visa fees has left many Nigerians disillusioned and uncertain about their travel plans to the UAE, calling for urgent diplomatic intervention to resolve the issue.
