Banned dreams — UAE joins US in new wave of harsh visa bans on Nigerians
From chasing degrees to chasing escape, young Nigerians continue to pay the price, first in the US, now in the UAE.
Nigeria faces a fresh visa ban storm as the UAE joins the US in tightening entry rules for its citizens. What does this wave of restrictions mean for young Nigerians chasing opportunities abroad?
Nigeria is dealing with a fresh wave of visa bans as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) joins the United States in imposing stricter entry rules for Nigerian citizens.
These developments, announced within days of each other, are raising concerns about the challenges young Nigerians face in pursuing opportunities abroad, from education to employment and tourism.
Visa Ban: UAE’s Stringent New Rules
Effective July 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of State updated its reciprocal nonimmigrant visa policy, limiting Nigerian citizens to single-entry visas for most nonimmigrant and non-official categories, with a validity of just three months.
This marks a significant shift from previous policies, as reported by Wakawaka Doctor, making travel to the US more restrictive for Nigerians.
Just 24 hours later, the UAE announced its own visa crackdown, introducing tough eligibility criteria for Nigerian applicants.
According to the UAE’s notification, as reported by Daily Trust, individuals aged 18 to 45 travelling alone are ineligible for tourist visas.
Additionally, applicants aged 45 and above must provide a personal bank statement covering the last six months, with each month showing a minimum ending balance of USD 10,000 or its naira equivalent.
These requirements, alongside standard documents like hotel reservations and passport data pages, further complicate the application process.
The combined impact of these visa bans signals a growing barrier for Nigerians seeking international opportunities.
With both the US and UAE tightening their policies, many young Nigerians may find their dreams of studying, working, or travelling abroad increasingly out of reach.
