Nigerian men will no longer be able to obtain tourist or transit visas to Qatar if travelling without family, following new regulations introduced by the Gulf nation’s Ministry of Interior.
The policy, which took effect around September 5, 2025, applies to both fresh and pending applications. Industry sources and travel agencies first reported the development last week, sparking widespread concern among travellers and stakeholders.
Under the new rules, only women and family groups are eligible for visas, while men travelling independently are excluded unless accompanied by relatives.
Applicants must also provide proof of a confirmed return transfer and secure accommodation exclusively in five-star hotels before their visa requests can be processed, Vanguard reported.
Authorities in Doha say the decision is intended to curb overstays, a growing issue for Gulf countries. However, the restrictions have raised fears in Nigeria that the move could disrupt business travel, family connections, and wider bilateral relations.
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“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 industry source told Vanguard.
The impact is expected to be particularly heavy on male business executives, students, and frequent flyers who rely on Doha as a key transit hub to destinations across Asia and Europe.
Independent travel for men has effectively been cut off, increasing costs and limiting opportunities.
Qatar’s new rules are not the first time visa restrictions have stirred friction between the two nations.
In 2019, then Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, appealed to Qatari authorities to relax entry barriers for Nigerians. Similarly, in 2023, former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, urged for a fairer and more inclusive visa system.
The latest measures, however, appear even stricter, raising questions over their long-term impact on bilateral ties. For many Nigerians, especially men who frequently travel for work or family obligations, the policy represents an unexpected and costly hurdle to mobility.
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Image Credit: Vanguard
