The Qatari Ministry of Interior has dismissed reports suggesting that Nigerian passport holders face new restrictions when applying for visas. Speaking to BBC Pidgin, a ministry official confirmed that “there are no restrictions on Nigerians seeking to visit Qatar” and that the visa application process remains unchanged.
This clarification comes after viral claims alleged that Qatar had introduced sweeping entry rules targeting Nigerians, including a ban on male travellers.
Viral Flyer Sparks Confusion
The controversy began when a flyer from TravelTank, a Nigerian travel support firm, circulated widely on social media. The flyer listed three supposed changes to Qatar’s visa policy:
- Only women and families would be eligible for visas.
- Travellers must book return transfers and 5-star hotels.
- All pending visa applications must comply with the new rules.
The flyer attributed the alleged changes to the high rate of overstays by Nigerian visitors, suggesting Qatar was tightening entry rules.
Official Platforms Refute the Claims
In response, Qatar’s official Hayya digital visa platform issued a statement confirming there had been no suspension or modification of visa procedures.
“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,” Hayya stated.
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Nigerians Still Eligible for Qatar Visas
Contrary to claims of a travel ban, the Qatari authorities have emphasised that Nigerians remain eligible to apply for visas to the Gulf state. This reassurance comes as Qatar continues to attract more Nigerian travellers, particularly after the UAE visa restrictions (2021–2024) pushed many to explore Doha as an alternative hub.
For Nigerians planning to travel to Qatar, the visa process remains the same. Any future changes will be officially announced by the Qatari Ministry of Interior or the Hayya platform, not third-party agencies.