FG Denies Claims of Saudi Arabia’s Visa Ban on Nigerians
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed as false reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia has imposed a visa ban on Nigerians and citizens from 13 other countries.
In a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Minister Yusuf Tuggar clarified that Saudi officials had refuted claims in a widely circulated memo. This memo inaccurately listed Nigeria as one of the countries affected by a visa ban. Other countries mentioned included Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, India, Pakistan, and others. The minister described the circulating document as misleading and incorrect.
The statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to categorically refute the false claims circulating online, alleging that Nigeria has been included in a list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia from April 13, 2025.
“The Saudi Arabian authorities have officially denied the validity of this viral memo, which falsely claims that several countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and others, would be subject to visa restrictions and an entry ban.
“The Saudi Tourism Centre has confirmed that no such directive exists, and that the only official travel guidelines currently in place pertain to the Hajj pilgrimage.
“For clarity, the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season. Individuals holding a tourist visa are not permitted to perform Hajj, enter, or stay in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (corresponding to 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). The Hajj visa remains the sole authorised entry permit for pilgrims during this period.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged the public to disregard the misleading document and to always verify travel details through official channels. “Spreading unverified information can cause unnecessary confusion and disrupt travel plans. For accurate and up-to-date information, travelers are advised to consult official Saudi government sources, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or accredited diplomatic channels,” the statement added.
On Monday, 7th April, rumours spread online claiming that Saudi Arabia had temporarily suspended visa applications for Nigerians and citizens from 13 other countries, allegedly in preparation for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
The other 13 countries named were: Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Yemen, Jordan, and Indonesia. The report suggested that the suspension aimed to prevent unregistered individuals from attempting the pilgrimage without official permits, which could pose safety and logistical challenges.