By Francesca Hangeior.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied that its government will demand a $10k bank balance, and N640k fee for Nigerians who are applying for visas into the country.
On Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, claimed the UAE authorities have agreed to vacate travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians.
Idris further revealed that applicants must fulfill certain conditions part of which was obtaining a document verification number on documentverificationhub.ae.
According to the website, the verification costs a non-refundable N640, 000 excluding VAT for each application. This does not include the visa fee.
Additionally, applicants must provide a six-month bank statement showing a minimum balance of $10,000.
This development was condemned by air travellers who labelled the requirements as a “constructive ban.
However, the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism revealed that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government.
The department noted that document verification inquiries should be directed to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
The GDRFAD meanwhile revealed that the visa application process requires a personal photo and a passport with at least six months validity. A tourist visa costs approximately 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000), depending on the length of stay.
Applicants also need a travel ticket and valid medical insurance for the UAE.
When asked about the $10,000 bank balance requirement, GDRFAD responded, “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”