The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that Nigerians are not exempt from the standard visa application process.
This announcement comes after an initial wave of excitement on Monday when it was reported that the three-year travel ban on Nigerians had been lifted.
However, the excitement was short-lived when Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the resolution included “mutually beneficial” conditions.
NN News Media reported findings from Nigerian investigative journalist Hundeyin, revealing that the website used by theNigerian government to process UAE visa applications , “ae.gov.ng,” is not an official UAE government website.
One of the conditions mentioned was the requirement to obtain a Document Verification Number (DVN). According to the DV hub, this service is intended to authenticate and verify documents necessary for UAE visa applications. The DVN service costs a non-refundable N640,000, excluding VAT, per application, which does not cover the visa fee itself.
Additionally, Nigerians must provide proof of a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000. These stringent conditions led some citizens to view them as a continued ‘constructive ban,’ while others questioned the DVN’s authenticity.
The UAE’s department of economy and tourism denied any knowledge of the DVN conditions when contacted by TheCable. They clarified that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
For official visa applications, the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) specified that applicants need a personal photo, a passport with at least six months of validity, a travel ticket, and valid medical insurance within the UAE. The cost of a tourist visa ranges from 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000) depending on the length of stay.
Regarding the supposed requirement for a $10,000 bank balance, the GDRFAD stated, “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”
Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioned that the ministry would seek and provide clarification on the DVN from their office in the Middle East.
