Qatar has introduced a new visa policy barring Nigerian men travelling solo from tourist permits.
Only women and family groups now qualify, with stricter booking and accommodation requirements for applications.
Qatar has rolled out a new visa policy that effectively blocks Nigerian men travelling solo from obtaining tourist or transit permits. Authorities say the measure, which came into force around September 5, 2025, is designed to reduce the number of visitors who overstay their visas.
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, the directive covers both fresh and pending applications. Only women and family groups are now eligible to apply, while male applicants must be accompanied by their families to qualify. In addition, applicants must present confirmed return bookings and reserve accommodation strictly in five-star hotels before their visas will be processed.
The change is expected to hit Nigerian male travelers particularly hard, including business professionals, students, and those using Doha as a stopover to Asia and Europe. A travel consultant who spoke with Vanguard explained that the development will significantly disrupt plans for many travelers. He noted that, for men flying without family, the new system functions as a near-complete travel ban, especially for those using Qatar Airways to connect to other destinations.
Qatar maintains that the move is aimed at discouraging visa overstays. However, analysts caution that the new rules could complicate relations between the two nations and limit personal, academic, and business exchanges. Male passengers now have to cancel or reschedule trips under tighter and more expensive conditions.
This is not the first time visa restrictions have caused friction between Nigeria and Qatar. In 2019, then-Senate President Bukola Saraki urged the Gulf nation to ease its entry rules for Nigerians, and in 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika also pressed for a fairer approach. The latest policy, however, is viewed as more stringent, with Nigerian men travelling alone as its primary focus.
