Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the launch of its new in-house visa service for Nigerian passengers travelling in Pearl Business Class to the UAE, or making a stopover visit in the UAE en route to their final destination.
Maurice Phohleli, General Manager, Nigeria and West Africa, said: “This new visa service will facilitate travel for our Business Class passengers visiting or transiting through the UAE.
“Nigeria is a key market for Etihad Airways and assisting our passengers, whether travelling for business or for pleasure, is part of our commitment to provide them with excellent levels of service.”
Pearl Business Class passengers may apply for their visit visas by submitting an application at the airline’s office in Ikoyi, Lagos. The cost of the visit visa depends upon the duration of the stay and ranges between US $80 for 96 hours to US $400 for 90 days.
Passengers travelling in Coral Economy Class can apply for their visit visa online at www.ttsuaevisas.com or directly in person by visiting the UAE Visa Application Centre at Falomo Shopping Centre in Awolowo Way, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Passengers submitting their visit visa applications through the airline’s office must hold a valid international passport, a paid Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class ticket, one coloured passport photograph with white background, confirmation of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi, and the visa fee in US Dollars. Passengers below 40 years of age will also have to present a birth certificate and/or marriage certificate where applicable.
Approval of visit visa applications is at the sole discretion of the UAE Immigration authorities.
Etihad Airways launched its new service from Lagos on July 1, 2012. The direct flights link Lagos and Abu Dhabi six times a week and are operated by a two class A330-200 aircraft with 22 Pearl Business Class and 240 Coral Economy Class seats.
The flight schedule offers morning and evening flights to Abu Dhabi, providing seamless connections over Abu Dhabi to key North and Southeast Asian destinations and markets in the Indian Subcontinent and Australia.