United Arab Emirates Tourist Visa
UAE Tourist Entry Permit · For Nigeria citizens
Planning a trip to Dubai or the UAE as a Nigerian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the UAE tourist visa application: required documents, the new DVN verification process, fees starting from NGN 134,335 (approximately $80), processing times of 5-6 working days, and strategies to improve your approval chances. With strict financial requirements including a $10,000 monthly balance, thorough preparation is essential for success.
UAE Tourist Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
A unique verification number required for all Nigerian visa applicants, obtained through the Document Verification Hub before visa application
Your current Nigerian passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE
Recent colored photograph with white background meeting UAE specifications
Confirmed return or onward flight tickets showing entry and exit from UAE
Confirmed hotel booking for the entire duration of your stay
Last six months bank statements showing sufficient and consistent funds
Marriage certificates for couples and birth certificates for children
Recommended (Optional)
Valid visa for the destination country you are traveling to or from UAE
Valid CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) for non-Nigerians
Evidence of previous travel to tier-1 countries within the last 2 years
Application Process
UAE tourist visa applications for Nigerian citizens must be submitted through authorized channels.1 Following the resumption of visa services in July 2024, a new Document Verification Number (DVN) requirement was introduced.5
1. Obtain Document Verification Number (DVN)
Before applying for your visa, you must obtain a DVN through the Document Verification Hub.5 This process:
- Takes up to 5 working days
- Requires uploading identification documents online
- Is mandatory for all Nigerian applicants (except children under 13)
2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents:1
- Valid Nigerian passport (6 months validity, no special characters in name)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
- Confirmed Emirates Airline ticket (highlighted with your name and dates)
- Hotel booking with check-in/check-out matching flight dates
- 6 months bank statements showing $10,000+ monthly balance (ages 18-41)
- Marriage certificate for couples, birth certificates for children
- DVN confirmation
3. Submit Application at VFS Global
Submit your application at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre:1
- Lagos: Manor House, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase I
- Submission hours: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Pay the visa fee (non-refundable)
4. Wait for Processing
Processing takes 5-6 working days.1 Track your application status online using your reference number. Once approved, collect your passport or arrange for courier delivery.
Fees
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (NGN) | Stay Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Visa | 48 hours | 15,250 | 48 hours |
| Transit Visa | 96 hours | 80,340 | 96 hours |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry) | 30 days | 134,335 | 30 days |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry) | 60 days | 218,450 | 60 days |
| Multi-Entry Short Term | 30 days | 209,615 | 30 days |
| Multi-Entry Long Term | 60 days | 338,645 | 60 days |
| Multi-Entry Long Term | 90 days | 209,615 | 90 days |
All fees include service charges and are non-refundable.1 Cancellation charges of NGN 43,785 apply for approved visas. Payment Facilitation Charges (PFC) of NGN 500 also apply.1
What You Need to Prove
UAE immigration authorities assess Nigerian applications based on:2
- Financial capacity: Strong bank balance of $10,000+ monthly for 6 months
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed, matching bookings
- Return intent: Confirmed return ticket showing you will leave before visa expires
- Document authenticity: All documents verified through DVN process
Nigerian applicants face higher scrutiny due to the two-year visa suspension history. Strong financial documentation is the most critical factor for approval.
Processing Times
Standard processing from VFS Global takes 5-6 working days.1
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| DVN Processing | Up to 5 working days |
| Visa Processing | 5-6 working days |
| Total Estimated | 10-11 working days |
Processing times exclude:
- Weekends (Friday-Saturday in UAE)
- UAE public holidays
- Any additional verification requirements
Apply at least 3 weeks before your travel date to allow for DVN processing, visa processing, and any potential delays.1
Recent Changes (July 2024)
Following a two-year suspension from October 2022, UAE visa services for Nigerians resumed in July 2024 with significant new requirements:5
- DVN Requirement: All applicants must obtain a Document Verification Number before applying
- High Financial Threshold: $10,000 monthly balance requirement for ages 18-41
- Stricter Documentation: Flight and hotel dates must match exactly; documents must be highlighted
- Age Restrictions: Enhanced scrutiny for young solo travelers (18-41)
These changes were introduced to enhance security and reduce fraudulent applications. Well-prepared applications with complete documentation can succeed, as the UAE Ambassador reported no rejections among 700+ visas issued since resumption.3
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, you will receive notification and can collect your passport with the visa. At UAE immigration:
- Present your passport with visa
- Show evidence of sufficient funds (may be asked)
- Confirm your hotel booking
- Immigration will stamp your passport with entry date
Extensions: The 30-day tourist visa can be extended up to three times for 30 days each at AED 850 per extension.1 Visit Emirates Commercial Visa Services at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, Arrival Area (next to Boots Pharmacy).
Overstaying: Fines of AED 50 per day apply for overstaying any visa type.2
If Your Visa is Refused
If your visa is rejected:
- Identify the issue: Common problems include insufficient bank balance, poor document quality, or mismatched dates
- Address the weakness: Improve your financial documentation or get better quality photos
- Reapply: There is no mandatory waiting period, but ensure you have genuinely addressed the issues
- Consider timing: Allow sufficient time for your bank balance to meet the 6-month consistency requirement
Visa fees are non-refundable.1 Nigerian applicants should focus particularly on meeting the strict $10,000 monthly balance requirement, as this is the most common reason for rejection.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not meet the strict $10,000 monthly balance requirement for 6 months. This is the most common reason for rejection among Nigerian applicants due to the unusually high financial threshold.
How to avoid: Maintain a consistent balance of at least $10,000 (approximately NGN 15 million) each month for 6 months before applying. Avoid large unexplained deposits. Show regular salary credits matching your income claims.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, unclear scans, mismatched dates between flight tickets and hotel bookings, or documents not highlighted as required. Passport photos not meeting specifications are particularly common issues.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents before submission. Ensure flight dates match hotel check-in/check-out dates exactly. Highlight passenger name and dates in yellow on all bookings. Use high-quality passport photos with white background.
Age and Gender Restrictions
Young applicants (18-41) traveling alone face higher scrutiny. Unaccompanied minors, students, and young women under 25 face additional restrictions for certain visa types.
How to avoid: If traveling alone and aged 18-41, ensure your financial documentation is exceptionally strong. Consider traveling with family members. Students must travel with parents.
No Tier-1 Country Travel History
For 90-day multi-entry visas, previous travel to USA, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand within 2 years is required. Applicants without this history are ineligible for this visa type.
How to avoid: If you lack tier-1 travel history, apply for a 30-day or 60-day single entry visa instead. Build your travel history with shorter visits first.
DVN or Document Verification Issues
Problems with the Document Verification Number process, including documents that fail verification or DVN not obtained before visa application.
How to avoid: Obtain your DVN well in advance of visa application. Ensure all documents uploaded for DVN are clear, authentic, and match your visa application documents exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerians get a tourist visa to the UAE in 2025?
Yes, Nigerians can apply for UAE tourist visas following the resumption of visa services in July 2024 after a two-year suspension. However, strict requirements apply, including obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN) and meeting high financial thresholds.
What is the DVN requirement for Nigerian UAE visa applicants?
The Document Verification Number (DVN) is a mandatory pre-application requirement introduced in July 2024. It verifies all your documents digitally before visa submission. Processing takes up to 5 working days, and children under 13 are exempt.
How much bank balance do I need for UAE visa from Nigeria?
Applicants aged 18-41 must show a minimum of $10,000 (or equivalent) balance each month for the past 6 months. For families, a joint balance of $20,000 or more each month is required. This is strictly enforced for Nigerian applicants.
How long does UAE visa processing take for Nigerians?
Standard processing takes 5-6 working days from submission at VFS Global. Processing times exclude weekends (Friday-Saturday in UAE) and UAE public holidays. Applications submitted between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
What is the UAE tourist visa fee for Nigerians in 2025?
The 30-day tourist visa costs NGN 134,335 through VFS Global/Emirates. 48-hour transit visa costs NGN 15,250. 60-day visa costs approximately NGN 218,450. Multi-entry options are available at higher prices. Fees are non-refundable.
Can I extend my UAE tourist visa as a Nigerian?
Yes, the 30-day tourist visa can be extended three times for 30 days each at AED 850 per extension. Extensions must be arranged at Emirates Commercial Visa Services at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 before your visa expires.
What age restrictions apply to Nigerian UAE visa applicants?
Applicants aged 18-41 face stricter financial requirements ($10,000 monthly balance). Unaccompanied minors and students can only apply if traveling with parents. Young women under 25 traveling alone require pre-approval for certain visa types.
Do I need an Emirates flight to apply for UAE visa?
For applications through VFS Global in Nigeria, you typically need a confirmed Emirates Airline ticket. Other application channels through hotels or travel agencies may accept other airlines. The ticket must show your name and travel dates.
Can Nigerians get visa on arrival in UAE?
No, Nigerian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival in the UAE. You must apply for and receive your visa before traveling. Even if you hold a UK Biometric Residence Permit or other valid visas, you still need to apply in advance.
What happens if my UAE visa is rejected?
If rejected, you can reapply with improved documentation. Common issues include insufficient bank balance, poor quality photos, or incomplete documents. Visa fees are non-refundable. There is typically no appeal process, but you can submit a new application addressing the issues.
Can I stay with family or friends instead of a hotel?
Yes, if visiting family or friends in the UAE, you can provide their tenancy contract (Ejari) or title deed, Emirates ID, and an invitation letter instead of hotel booking. The sponsor must have an apartment with two or more bedrooms.
Why was UAE visa suspended for Nigerians?
UAE suspended visa issuance to Nigerians in October 2022 without providing official reasons. Services resumed in July 2024 following diplomatic negotiations between the two countries. The new requirements, including DVN, were introduced as part of the resumption.