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How to apply for Dubai Visa in Nigeria: All you need to know

Dubai is one of the most sought-after holiday spots in the world, receiving thousands of visa applications annually. It is the largest and most beautiful city in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE city boasts of several mind-blowing and highly sophisticated infrastructures, one of which is the famous Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

The beautiful and populous city of Dubai is also known for its exquisite shopping mall designed with attractive aquariums and underwater zoo. Its other tourist attractions include the Dubai creek, museums and the Sheikh Sayed road.

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Dubai Visa types and their different characteristics

Nigerians travel to Dubai for various reasons ranging from education, tourism, medical check-up, jobs and so on. Unlike many African countries, travelling to Dubai involves purchasing a specific type of visa for a particular period of time. Different Dubai visas are suitable for different purposes and have distinct peculiarities and cost, it is therefore important that the right information is obtained before purchasing a Dubai visa.

The visa type available for a Dubai travel varies from country to country. The visa types available for Nigerian passport holders are:

  1. The 96-Hour Visa: This travel visa is suitable for individuals who have intentions of attending a business meeting or wish to drop by for a few hours or days before proceeding to their original destination. This visa type is non-extendable and is therefore suitable for people who do not desire to stay up to four days in the UAE city.
  2. The 14-Day Visa: Unlike the 96-hour visa, this visa type is valid for only 14 days from the date of issue. Intending applicants must ensure they are all set for travelling before making applications.
  3. The 30-Day Visa: This visa allows individuals to stay in the UAE city for up to 30 days. The 30-day Dubai visa is of two types;
  4. 30-Day single entry visa. This visa type is available for applicants travelling for a maximum period of 30 days. It is valid for 58 days from the date of issue and is non-extendable. By single entry, it implies that individuals can only make a travel visit once during the period of its validity.
  5. 30-Day multiple entry visa: this visa is available for individuals who wish to visit the city more than once during its stipulated validity period. It is suitable for big business owners who make constant business deals in and out of the city. It is also valid for a period of 58 days and non-extendable.
  6. 90-Day Visa: This is a long term travel visa. It is suitable for individuals who wish to spend a long vacation with a loved one in Dubai, visit for research purposes or make long medical trips. It is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and is also of two types.
  7. 90-Day single entry long term visa: This visa allows individual to travel only once (as explained above).
  8. Multiple entry 90-day visa: This is available for individuals who intend moving in and out of the city within the period of visa validity.

Dubai Visa Requirements

dubai-visa-application-and-requirements-nigeriaHaving known the type of visa applications available for Nigeria passport holders, the next is to ensure that you meet the visa requirement to ensure successful procurement. The visa requirements for Nigerians are the same for all visa types. They consist of the following:

  1. Original copy of valid international passport with at least 6 months validity (copies of valid and expired passports should also be added).
  2. Original and photocopy of valid Nigeria passport. This is important to show travel history, passport number and biodata page.
  3. A duly signed visa application form filled in block letters. The form should bear the applicant’s signature.
  4. Two copies of recent and clear passport photographs sized 4.3 by 5.5 in a white background.
  5. Proof of health insurance.
  6. A copy of a recent bank statement of not less than six months (proof of sufficient fund) to indicate that you have sufficient funds to stay in Dubai.
  7. A copy of a confirmed Emirate or Fly Dubai Airline ticket.
  8. Proof of hotel reservation.
  9. Evidence of profession may be required for visa types of 30 or 90 days.
  10. Letter of invitation by a friend or relative (if any) clearly showing the date of visit, the purpose of visit, the period of visit and contact information (phone number, email, residence permit, signature) of the invitee.

 Cost of obtaining a Dubai visa in Nigeria

The cost of a Dubai visa depends on the type of visa to be processed and payments are usually done at the visa application centre. The latest Dubai visa costs for Nigerians are stated below.

Dubai Visa TypesCost (N)
96-Hour Visa23,000
14-Day visa30,000
30-Day visa30,000
90-Day visa60,000
90-Day multi entry long term visa154,000
30-Day multi entry short term visa61,000
Cancellation charge8,400

 

Dubai Embassies in Nigeria and their contact details

Nigeria passport holders can apply for a Dubai visa in any of these locations:

  1. Dubai Visa Application Center, Lagos.

Address: VFS Global, Manor House, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, 3rd Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki Phase I, Lagos, Nigeria.

  1. Dubai Visa Application Center, Abuja.

Address: United Arab Emirates Embassy. 2, Columbia Close, Colorado Street, Minister’s Hill, Maitama, Abuja.

Telephone: +234-9875-0270.  Email: abuja@mofa.gov.ae.

Visa application form

Individuals intending to visit Dubai must first obtain and fill a visa application form. This can be done by visiting a visa application centre nearest to you or by making an online application through your smartphone or pc. Applicant should carefully fill or upload all required information and append their signature where necessary. If there is more than one traveller, an application form should be gotten for him or her and filled appropriately.

How to book your appointment

It takes about 2 to 8 days to process a Dubai visa in Nigeria; however, the processing time depends on the type of visa to be procured. After filling and signing the application form, the applicant should return the document (form), along with evidence or proof of payment (of visa) to the visa application centre where the form was purchased. Processing of the visa commences thereafter and further undergoes review by an immigration officer. The applicant may be invited for an interview via a letter if necessary and will be subsequently contacted if his application is confirmed or not.

N/B: Submission of the form is usually between the hours of 8am to 3pm on weekdays only.

Careless mistakes to avoid and why

The underlisted precautions should be observed when filling a visa application form in other not to be denied a Dubai travel visa.

  1. Do not omit signatures.
  2. Avoid late submission.
  3. Ensure your passport validity is up to requirement (6 months). A 4 or 5-month passport validity will not be accepted.
  4. Avoid misspelling names. Applicants may be disqualified if the name on the form and other personal documents are inconsistent.
  5. An insufficient bank balance may also disqualify an applicant. Ensure you meet the visa eligibility before making an application.
  6. Inconsistent signatures can also deny you of a Dubai visa. This seems to suggest falsification of documents.
  7. Incorrect passport photograph sizes. Pictures with other backgrounds will not be accepted, as well as blurred or ‘selfie’ passport photographs.

Conclusion

Processing a Dubai visa from Nigeria does not involve so many struggles if the applicant meets all the visa requirements. Intending Applicants should, therefore, consider the aforementioned subheadings carefully before proceeding for a Dubai visa application.

Precious Uka

Precious Oka writes for Naijadazz.