In recent days, there has been significant confusion and concern regarding the visa application process for Nigerian travelers wishing to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the UAE government was imposing stringent new requirements, including a $10,000 bank balance and a hefty N640,000 fee for visa applications. However, the UAE government has officially denied these claims, emphasizing that the purported requirements are not valid.
On Monday, Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, addressed the growing concerns. He announced that UAE authorities had agreed to lift previously imposed travel restrictions on Nigerian citizens. This announcement was welcomed by many who had been troubled by the recent uncertainty surrounding travel to the UAE.
Idris also shared some information about the conditions that visa applicants would need to meet. One of these conditions involved obtaining a document verification number from a website identified as documentverificationhub.ae. According to the details available on this website, the verification process required a non-refundable payment of N640,000, excluding VAT, for each application. It was further stated that this fee was separate from the actual visa fee.
The news quickly sparked outrage among travelers and potential applicants. Many criticized the requirements as a “constructive ban,” arguing that such high costs and conditions were effectively designed to prevent Nigerians from obtaining visas. This backlash was compounded by the confusion and frustration that arose from the perceived complexity and expense of the application process.
In response to these claims and the growing confusion, the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism stepped in to clarify the situation. They confirmed that the documentverificationhub.ae website is not officially affiliated with the UAE government. This was a crucial point of clarification, as it indicated that the website and its associated fees were not sanctioned by the official authorities.
The Department of Economy and Tourism emphasized that any inquiries regarding document verification or visa applications should be directed to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) in Dubai. This office is responsible for handling visa and residency matters and is the appropriate point of contact for accurate and official information.
Following this, the GDRFAD provided further clarification on the actual requirements for obtaining a tourist visa. According to their statement, the application process does not involve the previously mentioned $10,000 bank balance. Instead, applicants need to ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months from the date of their intended travel. Additionally, they must provide a recent personal photograph as part of the application.
The cost of a tourist visa, as outlined by the GDRFAD, ranges from approximately 200 to 300 dirhams, which is equivalent to about N60,000 to N90,000. This amount varies depending on the length of the stay and the type of visa being applied for. The visa fee is a separate charge from any other fees and does not include the purported N640,000 verification fee.
Applicants are also required to present a valid travel ticket and medical insurance coverage for their stay in the UAE. These are standard requirements designed to ensure that visitors have adequate coverage and logistical arrangements in place before entering the country.
The GDRFAD’s response to the claims about the $10,000 bank balance was clear and definitive. They stated, “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.” This response underscores their commitment to providing accurate and transparent information to all visa applicants and dispelling any misinformation that may have circulated.
The clarification from the UAE authorities is a significant development in resolving the confusion surrounding the visa application process for Nigerian travelers. It highlights the importance of seeking information from official sources and verifying details before proceeding with any financial transactions or application processes.
For Nigerian citizens planning to visit the UAE, it is advisable to follow the official guidelines provided by the GDRFAD and other authorized agencies. This will help ensure that the application process is completed correctly and that all requirements are met in accordance with the latest regulations.
While the initial reports of exorbitant fees and high bank balance requirements caused considerable alarm and confusion, the official response from the UAE government has clarified that these claims are unfounded. The process for obtaining a UAE tourist visa remains straightforward, with standard requirements that are manageable for most travelers. By adhering to the official guidelines and avoiding unofficial sources of information, applicants can navigate the visa process with greater confidence and ease.
