Nigerian men travelling alone will no longer be able to obtain tourist or transit visas to Qatar, following new regulations introduced by the country’s Ministry of Interior.
The policy, which took effect on September 5, 2025, is aimed at curbing overstays but has sparked concerns about its impact on business, family ties, and broader relations between both nations.
Under the new rules, only women and families are eligible to apply for visas, while men travelling independently are excluded unless accompanied by relatives. In addition, applicants must provide proof of a confirmed return ticket and book accommodation exclusively in five-star hotels before their visa applications can be processed.
The restrictions have created significant setbacks for many Nigerians, particularly male business executives, students, and travellers who often rely on Doha as a transit hub to Asia and Europe. Independent travel for men has effectively been blocked, raising costs and limiting opportunities.
“This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” one travel operator noted.
Qatar maintains the move is necessary to stop visa overstays. However, for Nigeria, the decision risks straining bilateral ties and disrupting people-to-people exchanges.
This is not the first time visa restrictions have caused friction. In 2019, then-Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki appealed to Qatari authorities to ease entry barriers for Nigerians. Similarly, in 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika urged for a fairer visa policy.
Observers now warn that the 2025 rules may prove even tougher, especially for Nigerian men, who must either cancel travel plans or restructure trips under stricter and costlier conditions.
