Do you know more than 1.4 million Nigerians visit Dubai every year? Not surprising, really! Dubai is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, and there is so much to see and do here. The flight time between Nigeria and Dubai is somewhere around seven hours, but the city makes every minute of the traveling time worth it.
You get to see the amazing skyline of the city dotted with some of the best landmarks, including large skyscrapers, the tallest building, the tallest hotel, the tallest frame, and the largest observation wheel in the world. Moreover, the experiences the city offers are second to none. But before you prepare your itinerary and pack your bags, you need to get a Dubai tourist visa.
Dubai Visa for Nigerians
Nigerians are not eligible for Dubai visa on arrival. In other words, you need to get a pre-approved visa before you arrive in the country. However, nationals of Nigeria are eligible for Dubai tourist e-visa. You can apply for a tourist visa online, without visiting any embassy or visa center. The entire process of the Dubai e-visa is done online, right from filling up the application form, uploading the documents, and paying the visa fee. You will receive your visa via email. However, if you want to apply for any other long-term visa, it must be done directly through the UAE embassy/consulate/visa center in Nigeria.
Dubai Visa Types for Nigerians
When it comes to Dubai tourist visa for Nigerians, there are basically two types. One is the 30-day tourist visa, and the other is the 60-day tourist visa. Both these tourist visas are available as single entry and multiple entry. The tourist visa is a type of visitor visa and is perfect for sightseeing. You can apply for the 30-day visa even if you are transiting via Dubai while traveling to another foreign country.
You cannot look for a job, take up work, or study in Dubai with the tourist visa. If you want to stay and work in Dubai, you need to apply for a work visa. People who are interested in investing in the city or starting their own business visa can apply for a UAE golden visa. Students can apply for a study visa to study at any of the reputed institutions in the city.
Dubai Tourist Visa Requirements
The process of applying for Dubai tourist visa happens online for Nigerians. Along with the application form, Nigerians also must upload the soft copies of some important documents. Here are the requirements for Dubai tourist visa for Nigerian citizens.
Passport: A valid Nigerian passport is mandatory to apply for Dubai visa. Your passport should have at least 6 months validity, from the time you have submitted your visa application. You must submit colored soft copies of the information page and the biometric page of your passport. You should have a digitally printed passport. Handwritten passports will be immediately rejected.
Photograph: A scanned copy of your recent photo is also needed for your Dubai visa application. The photo size should be 300 x 369 pixels. The photo should be a colored one, but the background should be white. The image must be of high quality. 80% of the photo should be your head. Your expression should be neutral. Refrain from opening your mouth or showing your teeth in the photograph.
Application Form: The application form in this case is an online form. You need to fill in the form completely and correctly. Make sure there are no mistakes. The information on the form should match the information on the supporting documents you are submitting.
Return Ticket: A confirmed return flight ticket is a must. The visa officials need to confirm that you will return to Nigeria before your Dubai visa expires. So, you will have to book a return ticket to Nigeria from Dubai before you apply for a visa. An onward ticket to any other foreign country will also be accepted.
Bank Statements: You must convince visa officials you have enough financial resources to support yourself while staying in Dubai. Hence, you must submit the bank statements for the last three months.
Email Address: Your Dubai visa will arrive in your email. Hence, providing a correct, working email id is a must. Check the spelling of your email address before you click on the submit button.
Credit or Debit Card: You need to have a credit card or debit card if you want to apply for your visa online.
Dubai Visa FAQs
Can I extend my Dubai tourist visa?
Yes. You can extend your Dubai tourist visa for 30 days, maximum two times. This applies to both 30 days and 60 days single entry and multiple entry visas.
What is the processing time for Dubai e-visa?
The processing time for Dubai e-visa is 4-5 days. Make sure to submit the right documents. The scanned copies should be clear. This will ensure that you get your visa on time.
What documents should I carry while traveling to Dubai?
You need to take a printout of your Dubai e-visa and carry it with you while traveling to Dubai. Also, you need to have your Nigerian passport with you. The visa official at the Dubai airport will get your passport stamped after verifying your e-visa.
Can I work in Dubai with a tourist visa?
No. It is illegal to work in Dubai with a tourist visa.
Visiting Dubai from Nigeria is quite easy if you get your Dubai visa on time. You can consult a trusted visa agent to apply for Dubai visa on your behalf, so that you receive your e-visa without any hassles.