Qatar bars Nigerian men from solo travel

…New visa rules request 5-star edifice bookings, instrumentality transfers, others

By Favour Ulebor

Nigerian men travelling unsocial volition nary longer beryllium capable to get tourer oregon transit visas to Qatar, pursuing caller rules introduced by the country’s Ministry of Interior.

The decision, which authorities accidental is meant to curb overstays, has sparked concerns that it could impact business, household connections, and wider relations betwixt some nations.

The policy, which took effect astir September 5, 2025, was archetypal reported by manufacture sources and question agencies past week.

It applies instantly to some caller and pending visa applications.

Under the revised rules, lone women oregon families are eligible to use for visas, portion men travelling independently are excluded unless accompanied by family.

Applicants are besides required to publication a confirmed instrumentality transportation and unafraid accommodation lone successful five-star hotels earlier visas tin beryllium processed.

For galore Nigerians, peculiarly antheral concern executives, students, and those utilizing Doha arsenic a connecting hub to Asia and Europe, the caller rules travel arsenic a large setback.

Independent question for men has efficaciously been chopped off, raising costs and limiting opportunities for those who trust connected Qatar arsenic a transit point.

“This is going to impact a batch of Nigerians who alert Qatar Airways to Asia oregon Europe.

“For men, it is practically a question prohibition if they are not going with their family,” Vanguard gathered.

Qatar says the argumentation is aimed astatine stopping overstays, but for Nigeria, the restrictions hazard straining ties and cutting people-to-people exchanges.

Male travellers successful peculiar present look the load of either cancelling plans oregon restructuring trips nether stricter and much costly conditions.

This is not the archetypal clip visa restrictions person created friction.

In 2019, past Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, appealed to Qatar to easiness introduction barriers for Nigerians, portion successful 2023, erstwhile Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, urged for a fairer visa system.

Yet the caller rules look adjacent tougher, particularly connected Nigerian men.

The station Qatar bars Nigerian men from solo travel appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.