Recent announcements about the lifting of the three-year travel ban on Nigerians traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have sparked confusion over the true visa requirements. While initial reports brought hope, conflicting information has left many Nigerians uncertain about the actual process.
Announcement of Travel Ban Lift
On Monday, the Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that an agreement had been reached with UAE authorities to lift the travel ban on Nigerians. However, he noted that the resolution came with conditions described as “mutually beneficial,” including the necessity of obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN).
Controversial DVN and Fee Requirements
The DVN process, as outlined by the Document Verification Hub, is a specialized service designed to authenticate and verify documents needed for UAE visa applications. The DVN fee is a non-refundable N640,000 (excluding VAT) per application, which does not include the cost of the visa itself. Additionally, Nigerians were reported to need a six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of $10,000 to apply for a UAE visa.
UAE Authorities Deny Knowledge of Additional Requirements
Inquiries by TheCable revealed that UAE officials were not aware of these stringent conditions. The UAE’s department of economy and tourism stated that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government. Instead, they clarified that the standard requirements for a tourist visa include a personal photo, a copy of a passport with at least six months of validity, a travel ticket, and valid medical insurance within the UAE. The cost for a tourist visa typically ranges between 200-300 dirhams (approximately N60,000 – N90,000).
Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFAD) further confirmed that they are unaware of any requirements for a $10,000 bank balance or a DVN fee. They advised applicants to follow the standard application process through GDRFAD for accurate and official information.
Nigerian Government Seeks Clarification
Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that the ministry would seek and provide clarification on the DVN issue from their office in the Middle East. This move aims to ensure that Nigerians receive accurate and reliable information regarding visa applications.
Conclusion
The conflicting information surrounding the UAE visa application requirements has left many Nigerians confused and frustrated. While the initial announcement about lifting the travel ban brought hope, the subsequent uncertainty highlights the need for clear and transparent communication between governments and their citizens. As it stands, Nigerians seeking to travel to the UAE are advised to follow official channels and verify any new requirements through accredited and reliable sources.
