The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied the requirement of $10,000 bank balance and N640,000 fee for Nigerians applying for visas into the country. This development follows the recent announcement on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, that UAE authorities agreed to lift the travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians.
According to him, applicants must fulfill certain conditions part of which was obtaining a Document Verification Number (DVN) on documentverificationhub.ae.
The website claims the verification costs a non-refundable fee of N640,000 excluding VAT for each application which does not include the visa fee. The website also stated that applicants must provide a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000.
However, enquiries by TheCable to the UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism revealed that the DV hub website is not affiliated with the UAE government, adding that any document verification enquiries should be forwarded to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRAD).
The GDRFAD stated that the requirements for the visa application process include a personal photo and an international passport with at least six months validity, adding that a tourist visa costs approximately 200-300 Dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000) which is dependent on the length of stay and applicants are also required to have a valid medical insurance as well as a travel ticket for the UAE.
When asked about the $10,000 bank balance and N640,000 fee requirements for Nigerians, the GDRFAD said, “We are not aware of such requirements. Make your visa applications through the GDRFAD.”