To foster the diplomatic relations between the UAE and Nigeria, the government of the UAE has lifted the 21-month-long visa ban on Nigerians. This long awaited good news—UAE lifts ban on Nigeria— has reopened travel opportunities for citizens of both countries. The decision to lift the ban follows a new regulation requiring Nigerian nationals to do a digital verification when applying for visas to the UAE.
In a briefing by Nigeria’s Minister for Information, Mohammed Idris, he said this agreement was reached following “mutually beneficial negotiations” between both nations. What does this mean for Nigerian passport holders since Dubai has lifted the ban on Nigeria?
Status of the Dubai Visa Ban on Nigeria
The Dubai ban on Nigeria had been imposed for 21 months. It came in October 2022, following a diplomatic and financial dispute, as well as some security concerns between the two nations. This ban affected not only Nigeria but other countries as well.
On Gulf news about Nigeria’s visa today, July 2024, the UAE has lifted the ban on Nigeria, once again welcoming tourists and other travelers from the country, but there’s a catch — a digital verification must be completed before visas can be approved.

With this recent development in Dubai-Nigeria news, Nigerian visitors are expected to satisfy updated requirements and adhere to regulations put in place by the UAE. This includes the submission of documents that prove their identity and presenting a travel history to generate a verification number. Visa applicants who are 13 years old or younger are exempted.
How Nigerians Can Apply for a UAE VISA
Following the news of the UAE lifting the ban on Nigeria, if you’re a Nigerian passport holder looking to travel to Dubai or other emirates, it’s now compulsory for applicants older than 13 years to obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN). Here’s how you can get yours:
Complete the Online Application: Complete the online registration form to begin the process of your Document Verification Number (DVN) acquisition. Ensure you complete all the required fields to prevent future delays.
Submit Your Documents: Upload all the required documents, including identification documents, travel history, and other necessary paperwork.
Receive Your DVN: Once your documents have been reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your DVN within 5 business days.
Proceed to Complete your Visa Application: You can now use your DVN to complete your UAE visa application.

Resuming Trade and Travel - Can Nigerians Travel to Dubai Now?
Yes, Nigerians can now travel to Dubai and the rest of the UAE. With the travel ban lifted, leisure travelers and business owners can now travel freely to both countries if they meet the requirements and have all necessary documents. The ban happened due to various factors, including allegations of improper conducts and attempts to break visa rules. But the two nations have resolved their differences, and residents can now enjoy all benefits offered by both countries.
The UAE lifting the ban on Nigerians is a huge step towards improving diplomatic ties and ensuring smooth travel and business operations between the UAE and Nigeria. Dubai has once again opened its doors to Nigerian visitors, and everyone, including you, can now take advantage of this opportunity.