Qatar has rolled out stringent new visa regulations that effectively bar Nigerian men traveling alone from obtaining tourist or transit visas, a move officials say is designed to curb overstays.
The policy, implemented around September 5, 2025, has raised concerns about its impact on Nigerian travelers and potential strain on Qatar-Nigeria relations.
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, the rules apply to both new and pending visa applications. Only women or families are now eligible to apply, while men traveling independently are excluded unless accompanied by family members.
Additionally, applicants must secure return travel arrangements and book accommodations exclusively in five-star hotels before their visa applications can be processed.
The restrictions pose significant challenges for Nigerian male business executives, students, and transit passengers who frequently use Doha as a hub for flights to Asia and Europe.
“This policy essentially acts as a travel ban for Nigerian men traveling alone, particularly those using Qatar Airways for connecting flights,” a source in Nigeria’s travel industry told Vanguard.
The measures are likely to disrupt travel plans and increase costs, as the five-star hotel requirement adds a financial burden.
Qatar has justified the policy as a necessary step to address visa overstays, but analysts warn it could harm people-to-people exchanges and economic ties between the two nations.
The restrictions come at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its global partnerships, including in trade and tourism.
“This could discourage Nigerian business travelers and affect Qatar’s reputation as a welcoming transit hub,” said a Lagos-based travel consultant.
Tensions over visa policies are not new. In 2019, former Nigerian Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed to Qatar to relax entry barriers for Nigerians, and in 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika called for a more equitable visa system.
The latest measures, however, are notably stricter, with a specific focus on Nigerian men, prompting concerns about fairness and discrimination.
As Nigerian travelers adjust to the new rules, many face the prospect of canceling or restructuring trips under costly and restrictive conditions.
The policy’s long-term implications for Qatar-Nigeria relations remain uncertain, with calls growing for diplomatic engagement to address the issue.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com