The Qatari Ministry of Interior has denied reports circulating on social media that it recently imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians.
Speaking to the BBC Pidgin on Wednesday, a ministry official described the claims as “false and misleading,” stressing that the visa application process for Nigerians remains unchanged.
“There are no new restrictions placed on Nigerian passport holders. If any policy changes are to be introduced, they will be communicated only through our official platforms,” the official clarified.
Viral posts had alleged that Qatar barred Nigerian men from applying for visas unless accompanied by their families, while also introducing new requirements such as mandatory five-star hotel bookings and confirmed return tickets.
The reports further suggested that overstays by Nigerian travellers were behind the supposed ban.
However, Hayya, Qatar’s official e-visa service platform, dismissed the claims. In a statement, it said: “There has been no suspension or alteration of the current procedures. Travellers should rely only on our official channels for accurate information.”
The Gulf nation has witnessed a steady increase in Nigerian visitors in recent years, particularly after Nigeria’s diplomatic rift with the United Arab Emirates between 2021 and 2024, which resulted in visa restrictions and flight suspensions.