For two years, one of the world’s most glamorous and preferred travel destinations—Dubai, in the UAE—has been largely off-limits to Nigerian travelers
When people think of Dubai, they see the city of gold skyscrapers, man-made wonders, and endless opportunity. For Africans, especially Nigerians, the UAE has long been the most preferred destination to find jobs, build businesses, and chase a better life. This is a city that literally evolved from a small fishing and pearl-diving village into a global financial and tourism hub in a few decades.
But for two years now, that door has been largely shut.
Since 2022, the UAE has placed a ban or severe restrictions on visa categories for Nigerian passport holders, making the once-simple application process a “hassle” where most people apply but get denied. What caused this sudden and dramatic shift, costing many Nigerians their businesses and investments in Dubai ?
I traveled to Dubai to investigate the diplomatic disputes, the cultural conflicts, and the real reasons behind the crisis. As a Nigerian traveling with a Nigerian passport, I also sought a permanent solution to the crippling problem of travel restrictions—a solution that led me to unbox my own UAE Golden Visa.
Watch the full video to see my personal journey through the frustrating realities of the Nigerian passport and the golden ticket that solves it.
The Official Reasons for the UAE Ban
In my investigation, I found that the reasons for the visa crisis were a mix of public perception and political gridlock.
- Isolated Crime and Image Damage: One major factor cited was the issue of isolated crime, overstayed visas, and fraud concerns . Specifically, reports of public cult clashes and other misdemeanors involving Nigerians circulated the internet . Knowing that the government is “very particular” about the image of the city, these public fights left them with no other choice but to impose restrictions .
- The Diplomatic Deadlock: The most obvious reason cited by multiple sources was an airline dispute between Emirates Airline and Nigerian aviation regulators over $85 million in trapped funds . The founder of a Nigerian-owned business in Dubai, Tony, argued that the problem is 1000% Nigeria’s fault, stemming from a flawed reciprocal foreign policy (“If you block us, we block you”) .
Tony stressed that while every nationality has crime committers, Nigerians are often “the noisiest and the most reckless” on social media, amplifying bad behavior and casting a negative stereotype on the community .
My Embarrassing Passport Encounters
As a travel vlogger, I travel frequently, but even I face “severe sanctions and stereotypes” every time I place my Nigerian passport on the table. It often feels like “a curse”. I was forced to share two deeply frustrating experiences in African countries:
- Namibia: In 2022, I was scrutinized by the immigration officer, even with a valid visa . The officer asked me to show my banking app to confirm my cash balance . The most shocking moment was when I told her I was there to see the sand dunes and elephants, and she asked, “Don’t we have elephants in our own country?” .
- Mauritius: I was pulled aside by the immigration officer and subjected to intense questioning about my purpose, my travel, and my flight class .
These experiences confirmed a painful truth: our people and our government have histories of “messing up our reputation” .
Unboxing the Golden Solution
Faced with these constant restrictions, I pursued a solution that allows me to travel and invest freely: the UAE Golden Visa . The process, handled by Savory and Partners, resulted in the delivery of my 10-year renewable residency card.
The perks of the Golden Visa are revolutionary for a Nigerian:
- 10-Year Residency: I get 10 years of renewable residency in Dubai.
- No Residency Requirement: Unlike other permits, I don’t need to live in the UAE or return every six months to keep it valid . I can come back after 10 years.
- Full Control: I can sponsor my family and employees, open bank accounts, and run a business without needing an external sponsor, giving me complete control .
- Tax-Free Advantage: It offers a tax-free environment, a major advantage for any entrepreneur .
This visa is an expensive route, a luxury item that only the “elite” can afford . However, simply having a UAE residency “de-risks” you from the stigma of the Nigerian passport, making international banks and communities view you as a highly-regarded UAE resident .
Conclusion:
My journey confirms that the crisis is real, and the restrictions are often a direct result of the actions of a few who compromise the opportunities for the many .
The key takeaway from my investigation and conversation with the founder of Savory and Partners is that good Nigerians must stop letting the “bad eggs be the loudest”. If you are working hard and succeeding, you must publicize your goodness, tell your story, and become eloquent about your integrity . This is how we rebuild our global image.
If you are tired of the Nigerian passport struggle, the high-end solution is Global Mobility. Options like the UAE Golden Visa or the Portugal Golden Visa (a path to EU citizenship) are expensive, but they offer the freedom of travel and global access that is currently locked away for most Nigerians .
If you want to acquire the Dubai Golden Visa or a second citizenship, reach out to Savory and Partners. I’ve left their contact details in the video description.
Don’t forget to watch the full video tour on my YouTube channel to see the entire journey! Comment below and tell me: What has been your worst travel encounter with your Nigerian passport?