Qatar Denies Visa Restrictions on Nigerians

The Qatar Ministry of Interior has dismissed reports that it recently imposed visa restrictions on Nigerian passport holders.

A ministry official told BBC Pidgin on Wednesday that there were no such restrictions on Nigerians seeking to visit the Gulf nation.

Social media reports had claimed that Qatar authorities introduced a travel ban preventing single male applicants from entering the country unless accompanied by their families.

The viral posts also alleged that only women or families could apply for visas and that applicants were required to present a five-star hotel booking and a return flight ticket before obtaining a travel or transit visa.

The reports further suggested that the alleged policy was prompted by frequent cases of overstays by Nigerian travellers.

However, Qatar’s official e-visa platform, Hayya, clarified that the visa process remained unchanged.

There has been no suspension or changes to the current procedures. If any updates are to be made, they will be announced on our official platforms,” the platform stated.

Qatar has in recent years witnessed increased visits from Nigerians, partly due to visa restrictions and flight suspensions imposed by the United Arab Emirates during a diplomatic spat with Nigeria between 2021 and 2024.