UAE to start issuing visas to Nigerians as from tomorrow as ban on Emirate Airlines forces rethink

NIGERIANS will now be allowed to obtain visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as from October 8 after the country lifted its restrictions on Nigerian visitors in response to pressure from the federal government.

Like every other country, the UAE shut down its airspace and grounded all flights during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Over recent weeks, these restrictions have been eased but when the UAE re-opened its airspace, Nigeria was not among the countries whose citizens were allowed into the country.

In response, the Nigerian government barred Emirate Airlines from landing at its airports and in response to this measure, an agreement has now been reached. Senator Hadi Sirika, Nigeria's aviation minister, said that the UAE will begin the issuance of visas to intending Nigerian travellers as from October 8.

He added: “UAE confirmed that they will begin issuance of visas from 8th of October, 2020. Travellers must have a return ticket, hotel booking, negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and health insurance, similar to Schengen requirements, which can be paid through travel agents/airline.”

Senator Sirika disclosed that the UAE had written that they agreed to issue visas to Nigerians, and consequently decision had been reached to allow Emirates to fly into the country. However, he added that the commencement of the visa issuance is based on the conditions that the health protocols are followed.