United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Nigerian passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates. You must apply and get approval online before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need an eVisa to enter the UAE. Apply through the ICA Smart Services portal at smartservices.ica.gov.ae. Processing usually takes 2–5 working days, and you'll receive the visa by email — print a copy to carry with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Nigerian passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at UAE airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — if you can't show one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host's address | UAE immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their Emirates ID number ready. If you're staying with friends or family, they must have a valid UAE residence visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. UAE immigration rarely asks for this, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Nigerian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Apply at least 7 days before departure.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in the UAE, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services portal (smartservices.ica.gov.ae) and fill out the eVisa application. Upload your passport photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days.
2
Print your eVisa approval
Once approved, download and print the eVisa document. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup. You'll need to show it at check-in and at UAE immigration.
3
Arrive at a UAE airport
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will scan your passport and stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard eVisa; can be extended once for 30 days.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Tourist Visa (single entry, 60 days)
Max stay60 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 500 (~$136 USD)
Longer single-entry option.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 60 days)
Max stay60 days per visit
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 800 (~$218 USD)
Multiple entries within validity.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) processing fee + proof of income/savings
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a local sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Program (Dubai)
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + health insurance
For remote workers with proof of employment, minimum salary of $3,500/month. Allows stay in Dubai with family.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,000 (~$544 USD) + property worth AED 1 million+
For property investors with a minimum property value of AED 1 million. Allows residency and family sponsorship.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Varies (sponsored by employer)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Includes residency and work permit.
student visa
UAE Student Visa
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + university fees
For students enrolled in a UAE university. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Nigerian passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days from issue. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; fines accumulate daily. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
| Visa extension (30 days)Possible once via immigration office or online. | AED 600 (~$163 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United Arab Emirates
Transit visa required
Nigerian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in the UAE, unless they have a valid visa for the UAE or a residence permit. Airside transit without passing through immigration is not allowed without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid UAE residence visa or visa on arrival for certain nationalities may transit without a visa.
- Transit passengers with a confirmed onward flight within 8 hours and staying airside may be eligible for a free 48-hour transit visa (subject to airline approval).
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (including Nigeria). Must present a valid Yellow Fever certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialCOVID-19EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but travelers should practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Immigration Office (ICP)
Al Falah Street, near Al Wahda Mall
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, near Al Jafiliya Metro Station
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines.
Practical information for NG travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You can check status on the ICA portal.
No, the standard eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into the UAE.
Yes. Immigration requires proof of onward travel. A return ticket or a flight to another country works. Keep a printed or digital copy.
No. Nigerian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly.
You'll receive a rejection notice. Common reasons include insufficient passport validity, incomplete application, or past overstays. You can reapply after fixing the issue.
It's not listed as a mandatory requirement on the ICA portal, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are very high, and insurance covers that risk.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.