The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied any knowledge of specific conditions allegedly agreed upon with the Nigerian Federal Government concerning visa applications for Nigerian citizens. This clarification follows recent statements made by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who announced the lifting of a three-year travel ban from the UAE on Nigerians, which had excited many.
Reports had suggested that part of the new visa application conditions included obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN) through a specialised service designed to authenticate necessary documents for UAE visa applications. This service was said to cost a non-refundable ₦640,000 per application, excluding VAT and visa fees. Additionally, Nigerians were reportedly required to present a six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of $10,000.
However, in an interview with Cable News, the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism denied any affiliation with the DV hub website, which claimed to manage the document verification process. Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFAD) also clarified the actual requirements for obtaining a UAE visa.
According to the GDRFAD, the process involves providing a personal photo and a copy of a passport with at least six months of validity. The cost of a tourist visa ranges from 200-300 dirhams (approximately ₦60,000 to ₦90,000), depending on the duration of the stay. Applicants must also have a travel ticket and valid medical insurance within the UAE.
Regarding the purported $10,000 bank balance requirement, the GDRFAD stated, “We are not aware of such requirements. Visa applications should be made directly through the GDRFAD.”
This clarification aims to dispel any misinformation and guide Nigerian applicants on the proper procedures for obtaining a UAE visa.
