The visa ban imposed on Nigerian travellers by the UAE Government is reportedly set to be lifted. In a recent interview, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, revealed that a resolution has been reached between President Bola Tinubu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during President Tinubu’s visit to the UAE in September 2023.
Although the UAE initially had additional requirements for lifting the ban, the Nigerian government has completed all necessary processes, clearing the way for an imminent announcement from the UAE government. While the specific date of the travel restriction being lifted is known to the Aviation Minister, he emphasized that it is the UAE government’s responsibility to make the official announcement.
The lifting of the ban is expected to restore ease of travel for Nigerian citizens to the UAE, fostering stronger bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
It is worth noting that the UAE had imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians and nationals of other African countries in 2022, including Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, and the Dominican Republic.