The Qatari Ministry of Interior has denied social media reports claiming that new visa restrictions have been imposed on Nigerian passport holders. According to BBC Pidgin, a ministry official clarified on Wednesday that Nigerians remain eligible to apply for visas under the existing procedures, with no changes introduced.
The false reports had alleged that Qatari authorities barred male applicants from entering the Gulf state unless accompanied by family members. They also suggested that only women or families could apply, subject to conditions such as proof of a return flight and a five-star hotel reservation. The claims further linked the supposed restrictions to cases of overstays by Nigerian travellers.
Qatar’s official digital visa service platform, Hayya, confirmed that the process remains the same. “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,” it said.
In recent years, Qatar has experienced a steady increase in Nigerian visitors, particularly as an alternative travel destination during the diplomatic rift between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (2021–2024), which saw visa restrictions and suspension of direct flights.
