The Qatari Ministry of Interior has introduced sweeping visa restrictions that bar Nigerian men traveling alone from obtaining tourist or transit visas, effective around September 5, 2025. The new measures apply to both new and pending applications and affect those seeking to travel independently.
Under the revised visa policy, only women or family groups may apply. Male solo travelers are disqualified unless accompanied by family. Furthermore, applicants must now provide confirmed return travel arrangements and secure accommodation exclusively in five-star hotels before visas can be issued
While Qatar maintains the rules are aimed at curbing overstays, the policy has raised concerns across Nigeria. Business executives, students, and passengers using Doha as a transit hub describe the changes as a “practical travel ban,” raising both logistical and diplomatic challenges.
The move marks yet another visa restriction that could strain bilateral relations and disrupt people-to-people connections between Nigeria and Qatar.
