UAE begins issuance of Visas to Nigerians on new conditions

Muhammad Babandede, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, has announced that henceforth, travellers to the United Arab Emirates must possess a confirmed return ticket, negative COVID-19 test result and valid health insurance covering the duration of stay.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction test is expected to be taken within 96 hours before departure.

The CGI, in a statement by the NIS spokesman, DCI Sunday James, on Tuesday said, “UAE bound passengers are expected to be in possession of the following: Confirmed return ticket; confirmed hotel reservation for the duration of stay in UAE or address of residence in the UAE or address of relatives of the visitor playing host while in the UAE; A negative PCR test taken within 96 hrs before departure; valid health insurance, copies of trade licenses in the UAE and Nigeria, if applicable.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service hereby, advises all UAE-bound passengers to avoid denial of departure from Nigeria and repatriation from the country concerned due to non-compliance.”

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, UAE, is set to begin issuance of Visas to Nigerians from Thursday, October 8, 2020.

This was disclosed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika on Tuesday. He said UAE had confirmed that it would start issuing visas to Nigerians from Thursday and that travellers would have a return ticket.

“UAE confirmed that they will begin issuance of Visas from 8th of October, 2020. Travelers to have a return ticket, hotel booking, negative PCR result & a Health insurance (similar to Schengen requirement).

“Health insurance can be paid through travel agents/airline,” he tweeted.

The Federal Government had six days ago lifted suspension placed on Emirates Airline from flying into Nigeria.

“UAE has written to state that they agree to issue visas to Nigerians, consequently decision has been reached to allow Emirates to fly into Nigeria.