KEY POINTS

• Qatar bans Nigerian men travelling alone from tourist, transit visas.
  
• New rules effective Sept. 5 apply to pending and new applications.
  
• Only families and women can apply; five-star hotel bookings required.

Qatar has stopped issuing tourist and transit visas to Nigerian men travelling alone, a move officials say is intended to curb overstays but which risks straining ties with Africa’s largest country.

New restrictions take effect

The policy, which took effect around September 5, 2025, bars men travelling independently from applying for visas unless accompanied by family. Only women and families are now eligible for tourist and transit entry.

The new rules apply to both pending and fresh applications. Applicants must also present proof of a confirmed return transfer and book accommodation exclusively in five-star hotels before visas are processed.

Blow to travel, business and transit routes

The restrictions are a setback for many Nigerian men who rely on Doha as a gateway to Asia and Europe, particularly business executives, students, and professionals using Qatar Airways as a connecting hub.

“For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” one industry source told Vanguard. Travel agencies also say the new rules will raise costs and disrupt plans for those accustomed to using Qatar as a stopover.

Risk of diplomatic friction

Qatar’s interior ministry insists the move targets overstays, but critics say it risks souring bilateral relations and cutting people-to-people exchanges. Nigeria has previously raised concerns about Doha’s restrictive visa practices.

In 2019, Bukola Saraki, who was then the Senate President, asked Qatar to make it easier for Nigerians to enter the country. In 2023, Hadi Sirika, who used to be the Minister of Aviation, asked for travelers to be treated more fairly.

What’s next

Nigerian officials have yet to formally respond, but analysts warn the restrictions could trigger diplomatic engagement, especially given the impact on trade, aviation, and regional connectivity.