The United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy in Abuja has debunked claims that travels from Nigeria are restricted.
In a statement issued after unverified claims that Nigerians can no longer apply for different categories of visa after Hushpuppi was arrested for alleged fraud, the embassy disclosed that the UAE put in place a number of precautionary measures to halt the spread of Coronavirus including the short-term suspension on granting UAE visas for all nationalities as of March 17, 2020.
The statement further stated that after the country entered the recovery phase of the pandemic, some measures were relaxed allowing visitors from various countries to abide by the necessary precautionary measures which include showing negative PCR test results within 92 hours of entering into the UAE. This includes Nigerian travellers.
The statement read: “In response to recent press and social media reports regarding purported travel restrictions between the UAE and Nigeria, and in an affirmation of the growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, the UAE Embassy in Abuja denies the accuracy of the information contained in these reports.
“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE took a number of precautionary measures to combat the virus’ spread, including the temporary suspension on issuing UAE visas for all nationalities as of March 17, 2020.
“After entering the recovery phase of the pandemic, the UAE eased some measures on July 7, permitting visitors from various countries to adhere to the necessary precautionary measures, including by showing negative PCR test results within 92 hours of travelling to the UAE. This includes those visiting from Nigeria.
“The UAE Embassy in Abuja continues to work closely with the Nigerian Government to obtain the necessary approvals to facilitate travel between the two countries”.
