UAE Bans 20 African Countries from 30-Day Visa Applications

The United Arab Emirates has banned citizens from almost 20 African countries from entering Dubai, the country’s capital. Starting on October 18, 2022, the UAE will no longer process visa applications for those with certain nationalities. The particular visa category banned is the 30-day visa.

The notice from the UAE government stated, “This is to inform you that we will not be posting 30-day visa applications for these nationalities effective today, October 18, 2022.”

Visa restrictions apply to the following countries: Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, the Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, and the Dominican Republic.

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In the notice, authorities informed business partners, including travel agencies, that all applications will be denied.

The notice stated, “Any applications from the above-mentioned countries will be sent back or canceled.”

This is not the first time that Dubai has enacted a ban on certain African nations. However, it is unclear why the most recent ban was implemented.

Due to the spread of COVID-19, Emirates Airlines announced in December 2021 that eight African nations would not be permitted to travel through Dubai until further notice.

The Ethiopian government abolished visas-on-arrival for Nigerians earlier this month.

Additionally, Ethiopia required Nigerians and residents of 42 other African nations to present their yellow fever vaccination records at any of its borders.