UAE Lifts Travel Restrictions with Nigeria

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 16 July 2024

UAE and Nigeria Reach Agreement to Lift Travel and Visa Restrictions After Two-Year Hiatus

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Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have reached a breakthrough agreement to resume travel and visa issuance between the two countries, ending a two-year diplomatic impasse.

Read More: Time Difference Between Nigeria and UAE

In 2022, the UAE halted visa issuance for Nigerian passport holders due to financial disputes, particularly over fund repatriation that impacted Emirates Airline's operations. The resolution follows Nigeria's central bank clearing a substantial $137 million backlog in foreign exchange owed to international airlines, a crucial step toward restoring normalcy in bilateral relations.

Emirates Airline has announced plans to resume flights to Nigeria starting in October, ending the prolonged suspension. According to Nigeria's Information Minister Mohammed Idris, the new agreement includes updated controls and conditions to streamline the visa process for Nigerian travelers to the UAE.

"This agreement signifies a positive step forward in our bilateral relations with the UAE," said Minister Idris. "It restores travel opportunities and strengthens our mutual interests in trade and cultural exchange."

The resumption of direct flights by Emirates Airline is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and economic cooperation between the two nations. As of July 15th, Nigerian passport holders are eligible to apply for UAE visas under the new framework, marking a significant step in rejuvenating economic and social ties between the UAE and Nigeria.

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