Quick Answer: Nigerian citizens require a pre-approved visa to enter the UAE. Knowing this helps you feel assured and prepared, reducing travel stress.
Do Nigerians Need a Visa for the UAE?
Yes, Nigerian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to the United Arab Emirates to ensure compliance with entry rules and avoid travel disruptions. Unlike citizens of many Western countries who receive visa-on-arrival privileges, Nigerian passport holders are required to secure pre-approved entry permits through authorized channels.
The UAE does not issue visas on arrival for Nigerian nationals. Attempting to travel without a valid visa will result in being denied boarding at the departure airport or being deported upon arrival. All visa applications must be processed and approved before your travel date.
Nigerian nationals holding tourist or residence visas for third countries must still apply for and obtain their UAE visa before departing Nigeria. The visa requirement applies regardless of your destination after the UAE or where you are traveling from.
UAE Visa Types Available for Nigerians
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry Type | Best For |
| 96-Hour Transit | 4 days | Single entry | Short layovers |
| 14-Day Tourist | 14 days | Single entry | Brief visits |
| 30-Day Tourist | 30 days | Single/Multiple | Short holidays |
| 60-Day Tourist | 60 days | Single/Multiple | Extended stays |
| 90-Day Tourist | 90 days | Single/Multiple | Long visits |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry | 90 days per visit | Multiple entry | Frequent travelers |
Transit Visa (96 Hours)
Designed for travelers passing through the UAE en route to another destination. Valid for up to 96 hours (4 days). Must be used within 30 days of issue. Only available when traveling with Emirates or FlyDubai and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Short-Term Tourist Visas (14-30 Days)
Standard tourist visas for Nigerian visitors. The 14-day visa is non-extendable and ideal for brief business trips or short holidays. The 30-day visa offers more flexibility and can be extended once for an additional 30 days while in the UAE.
Long-Term Tourist Visas (60-90 Days)
For Nigerian travelers planning extended visits. The 60-day visa is valid for 58 days from the issue date, with a 60-day stay from the first entry. The 90-day visa is recommended for those visiting family and friends or exploring business opportunities for an extended period.
Document Requirements
Mandatory Documents for All Applicants
| Document | Specification |
| Passport | Valid minimum 6 months, machine-readable, 2+ blank pages |
| Passport Photo | Recent, colored, white background, front-facing |
| Application Form | Completed and signed |
| Flight Itinerary | Confirmed return ticket with Emirates/FlyDubai |
| Hotel Reservation | Confirmed booking matching travel dates |
| Passport Cover Page | Colored copy of external cover |
Financial Requirements (Ages 18-45)
Nigerian applicants aged 18 to 45 years face stricter financial documentation requirements. These requirements apply whether traveling alone or with family.
| Applicant Type | Bank Statement Requirement |
| Single Traveler (18-45) | 6 months statements, minimum $10,000 monthly balance |
| Family (Joint Account) | 6 months statements, minimum $20,000 monthly balance |
| Applicants 45+ | 6 months statements, minimum $10,000 monthly balance |
Additional Documents
Employment Letter: Letter from employer confirming employment, position, salary, and approved leave.
Self-Employed: Business registration documents and tax records.
Visiting Family/Friends: Invitation letter with the host’s contact details, signature, and a copy of their UAE passport or residence permit.
Families: Marriage certificates for couples, birth certificates for children.
UAE Visa Fees for Nigerians
Visa fees vary based on visa type, processing speed, and the agency used. Nigerian applicants should also note that an additional $100 processing fee typically applies.
| Visa Type | Standard Fee (USD) | Notes |
| 96-Hour Transit | $80 – $100 | Requires an Emirates/FlyDubai ticket |
| 14-Day Single Entry | $165 – $200 | Non-extendable |
| 30-Day Single Entry | $185 – $250 | Extendable once |
| 30-Day Multiple Entry | $355 – $400 | Unlimited entries within validity |
| 60-Day Single Entry | $250 – $350 | Valid for 58 days from issue |
| 60-Day Multiple Entry | $550 – $720 | Unlimited entries within validity |
| 90-Day Tourist | $400 – $500 | For extended visits |
Note: Visa fees are approximate and may change. Confirm current costs with authorized agents like VFS Global before submitting your application to avoid unexpected charges and delays.
How to Apply for a UAE Visa from Nigeria
Option 1: Through VFS Global
VFS Global operates UAE visa application centers in Nigeria and is the official partner for Emirates and the Dubai government visa processing.
Step 1: Download and complete the visa application form offline.
Step 2: Gather all required documents, including passport, photos, bank statements, and flight/hotel bookings.
Step 3: Visit the VFS Global center in Lagos or Abuja between 8:00 AMand 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Step 4: Submit documents and pay the visa fee.
Step 5: Wait 5-6 working days for processing.
Step 6: Receive approved e-visa via email.
VFS Global Centers in Nigeria
| Location | Address | Contact |
| Lagos | Manor House, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase I | +234 815 018 8800 |
| Abuja | 3rd Floor Sterling Bank Plaza, Plot 1083 Mohammedu Buhari Way, CBD | +234 815 018 8800 |
Option 2: Through Emirates Airlines
If booking flights with Emirates, you can apply for a UAE visa through their online portal after purchasing your ticket. Access the visa application through ‘Manage your booking’ on emirates.com. VFS processing fees apply.
Option 3: Through Authorized Travel Agencies
Licensed travel agencies in Nigeria can sponsor and process UAE visas on your behalf. Ensure you use only authorized and reputable agencies. Online visa services are available to Nigerian citizens worldwide and require only scanned documents.
Processing Times
| Processing Type | Duration | Additional Fee |
| Standard Processing | 5-6 working days | Included in visa fee |
| Express Processing | 3-4 working days | +$30-50 |
| Urgent Processing | 24-48 hours | +$50-100 |
Processing times are calculated from the date of submission and exclude weekends, UAE public holidays, and Nigerian public holidays. During peak travel seasons (December-January and the summer months), processing may take longer.
Visa Extension Options
Nigerian visitors can extend their UAE visa without leaving the country, subject to approval. Extensions are processed through ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Dubai.
| Extension Type | Duration | Approximate Fee (AED) |
| 30-Day Extension | An additional 30 days | AED 600 + VAT |
| 60-Day Extension | An additional 60 days | AED 1,100 + fees |
| 90-Day Extension | An additional 90 days | AED 1,500 + fees |
Extensions must be applied for before the current visa expires. The 14-day tourist visa is non-extendable. Extensions can typically be granted up to three times (30 days each), subject to immigration approval.
Overstay Penalties
The UAE enforces strict overstay penalties. Nigerian visitors must depart before their visa expires or face significant fines and potential bans.
| Violation | Penalty |
| Daily Overstay Fine | AED 50 per day |
| Exit Permit Fee | AED 250 – 350 |
| Grace Period | None for pre-arranged visas |
| Extended Overstay (60+ days) | Possible deportation and entry ban |
Critical: Pre-arranged tourist visas for Nigerian citizens have NO grace period. Fines begin immediately from the day after your visa expires. You cannot leave the UAE until all outstanding fines for overstaying are cleared.
How to Pay Overstay Fines
Fines can be paid through the GDRFA Dubai portal (gdrfad.gov.ae), ICP Smart Services (smartservices.icp.gov.ae), Amer Centers in the UAE, or airport immigration offices before departure.
Flight Information: Nigeria to UAE
Direct Flights from Lagos
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Lagos (LOS) to Dubai (DXB) |
| Flight Duration | Approximately 7 hours, 30-45 minutes |
| Frequency | 7 flights per week (daily) |
| Aircraft | Boeing 777 |
| Airline | Emirates |
| Time Difference | Dubai is +3 hours ahead of Lagos |
Connecting Flight Options
Several airlines offer connecting flights from Lagos to Dubai, including Qatar Airways (via Doha), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), EgyptAir (via Cairo), and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). Connecting flights typically take 12-18 hours total.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Understanding common reasons for rejection helps Nigerian applicants prepare stronger applications.
Insufficient Bank Balance: Failure to meet the $10,000 monthly minimum (single) or $20,000 (family) for applicants aged 18-45.
Unskilled Profession: Passports listing professions such as ‘farmer’ or ‘labourer’ may face rejection. Consider updating your passport if applicable.
Previous Visa Issues: Unused previous UAE visas must be cancelled before applying for a new one.
Document Quality: Blurry scans, incomplete forms, or missing documents cause delays or rejection.
Criminal Record: Previous fraud or misconduct in the UAE results in automatic rejection.
Mismatched Information: Travel dates on the ticket must match hotel reservation dates exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Nigerians get a visa on arrival in the UAE?
A: No. Nigerian passport holders must obtain a pre-approved visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Nigerian citizens.
How much bank balance is required for a UAE visa?
Applicants aged 18-45 must show 6 months of bank statements with a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (single) or $20,000 (family). Applicants 45+ also require a minimum monthly balance of $10,000.
Can I apply for a UAE visa online from Nigeria?
Yes. You can apply online through Emirates (after booking a flight), authorized travel agencies, or visa processing websites. VFS Global also accepts in-person applications in Lagos and Abuja.
How long does a UAE visa take for Nigerians?
Standard processing takes 5-6 working days. Express processing is available in 3-4 days for an additional fee. Urgent processing (24-48 hours) is also available.
Can I extend my UAE visa while in Dubai?
Yes. 30-day and longer tourist visas can be extended for additional 30-day periods (up to 3 times) through GDRFA or ICP online portals. The 14-day visa cannot be extended.
What happens if I overstay my UAE visa?
A: You will be fined AED 50 per day. There is no grace period for pre-arranged visas. Fines must be paid before departure. Extended overstays can result in deportation and entry bans.
Can Nigerian students apply for a UAE tourist visa?
Emirates does not sponsor unaccompanied minors or students. Students and minors may apply only if traveling with parents who will be the principal applicants.
Do I need a return ticket for a UAE visa?
Yes. A confirmed return or onward ticket is mandatory. The ticket dates must match your hotel booking dates. One-way tickets are not accepted.
Can I work in the UAE on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist visas do not permit employment. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and results in fines, deportation, and potential entry bans.
What is the cheapest UAE visa for Nigerians?
The 14-day single-entry tourist visa is the most affordable option, starting from approximately $165-200. The 96-hour transit visa ($80-100) is cheaper but has strict requirements.
Official Sources and Resources
UAE Government Portals
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
Website: icp.gov.ae | Smart Services: smartservices.icp.gov.ae
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA)
Website: gdrfad.gov.ae | Services: Visa processing, extensions, fines inquiry
VFS Global Nigeria (Official UAE Visa Partner)
Website: visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/are | Email: infodvpcabuja@dubaivisa.net
Emirates Airline Visa Services
Website: emirates.com/ng | Apply through ‘Manage your booking.’
UAE Diplomatic Missions in Nigeria
UAE Embassy Abuja
Website: mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/abuja
UAE Consulate General Lagos
Website: mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/lagos
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of January 2026. Visa requirements, fees, and processing times can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official UAE government sources, VFS Global, or the UAE Embassy before applying. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Last Updated: January 2026