By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Nigerian passengers have been slapped with fresh travel restrictions by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the Middle-East nation banning transit visas for Nigerians.

In the new stringent travel conditions introduced by the UAE, it was disclosed that transit visa applications would no longer be processed for Nigerian nationals.

Further, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 years are ineligible for tourist visas if travelling alone, while those above 45 years must provide a personal bank statement from a Nigerian bank for the last six months, each month’s statement must show an ending balance of at least $10,000 or its Naira equivalent, and all existing requirements such as hotel reservations and passport data pages must still be submitted with applications.

“For Nigeria nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for tourist visa category.

“An applicant who is 45 years or above must provide a single Nigerian personal bank statement for a period of last six months, with each month’s end balance reflecting a minimum ending balance of $10,000 or its Naira equivalent.

“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc,” the new requirements communicated to Nigerian travel agents on Tuesday stated.

Nigerians have found Dubai in the UAE as a tourist destination. It is also used for business transactions like the purchase of luxury items like gold and others.

Recall that last year, the UAE authorities lifted a travel ban on Nigerian passport holders after two years.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The United States government has announced that most Nigerians applying for non-immigrant visas will now only get single-entry three-month visas.

The US Mission in Nigeria said this was to reciprocate Nigeria’s visa policy for Americans.

“Effective today, most non-immigrant and non-official visas for Nigerian citizens will be single-entry with 3-month validity.” the embassy stated in a press statement on Tuesday. Prior to this, it was up to five years.

It gave the criteria that must be met to see changes to include: secure travel documents with verified traveler identities, implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas, and sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.

“We commend the ongoing efforts by the government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices,” it said, adding that, “We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges.”

The US encouraged Nigerian travelers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.

“The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges. We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” it added.

This comes after it was earlier reported that Nigeria alongside some other countries could face restrictions under President Donald Trump’s policy to cut down on immigration.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to increase tariffs across all its airports to allow for utilisation of its operations for profitability.

The announcement was made during the Directorate of Commercial and Business Development (DCBD) Stakeholders Engagement Forum held Monday in Lagos.

According to FAAN’s Director of Commercial and Business Development, Mrs Adebola Joy Agunbiade, the agency will also implement a complete transition to automated and contactless payment systems.

She said the authority currently generates 92 per cent of its revenue from aeronautical sources, with only eight per cent coming from non-aeronautical activities which contrasts with developed countries where non-aeronautical sources typically account for over 40 per cent of airport revenue.

Mrs Agunbiade assured stakeholders and service providers that they would receive adequate notice before tariff implementations.

“We have to find the means to review our tariff in such a way that it’s not too much on you but it’s also helping us to pay our bills,” she said.

Also speaking, FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, emphasised the authority’s commitment to eliminating cash transactions across all airport payment points. She said the new system will feature cards that enable tap-and-go payments.

“All payment will soon be made online using our cards. It is an airport card. You tap and go. It is a very seamless and straightforward process,” she said.

The pilot programme has already begun in Lagos, with plans for rollout across other airports. The system will include ECR devices for terminal payments and automated parking and tollgate facilities.

“Automation makes it easier for you to track your payment. We’re going cashless and contactless payment. So it is easier and faster,” Mrs Kuku stated.

According to her, FAAN reported generating N2 billion from below the line platforms alone last year, and with could see a higher revenue this year.

The authority also said it is restructuring lease agreements following legal reviews to create more workable terms for service providers.

Mrs Kuku noted that substantial investments have been made in infrastructure upgrades and automation systems and that revenue improvements will directly benefit passenger services and airport operations.

FAAN also issued warnings over unauthorised activities at airports with the FAAN official saying that licenses would be revoked for car hire services and Bureau de Change operators engaging in lout activities.

Additionally, FAAN has issued orders to remove tankers parked along Lagos airport access roads, citing security risks and environmental concerns.

“We cannot just have businesses on the side of the road in a manner that is not organized. We will be taking very drastic actions,” Mrs Kuku said.