The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted false claims of a Saudi Arabian visa ban on Nigeria and 12 other countries. Saudi authorities confirmed no such restriction exists, clarifying that only tourists with non-Hajj visas are affected during the Hajj season. Travelers are urged to verify official information.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed rumors that Saudi Arabia has imposed a visa ban on Nigeria and 12 other countries. These claims, circulating online, suggested that Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and several other nations would be blocked from applying for visas starting April 13, 2025. However, the Saudi authorities officially debunked these reports, confirming that the memo was false.
In an official statement, Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, clarified that the circulating document was misleading. It falsely suggested that countries such as Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and others would face visa restrictions as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. The Saudi Tourism Centre further confirmed that no such entry ban exists and that only tourists holding certain types of visas are restricted during the Hajj season, specifically between April 29 and June 11, 2025. During this period, those with tourist visas are not allowed to perform the Hajj or enter Makkah.
The Ministry urged the public to disregard the inaccurate reports and to verify travel information through official channels to avoid confusion. The ministry also emphasized that the only entry restriction during this time applies to individuals without the proper Hajj visa. Travelers are advised to consult the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Saudi government sources for accurate and up-to-date information.
