The Qatari government has announced a new immigration policy, barring Nigerian men from solo travel to the country.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that under the new visa regulations by the Qatari government, Nigerian men will now be required to be accompanied by a female relative or spouse for entry into the country.
This new immigration policy barring Nigerian men from solo travel was unveiled by the Qatari Ministry of Interior on September 5, 2025.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior said the new policy aims to curb the influx of undocumented migrants and enhance national security.
The decision affects Nigerian male nationals aged 18 to 50 who wish to visit Qatar for tourism, business, or short-term stays.
According to official statements, solo male travelers from Nigeria must now provide proof of accompaniment by a wife, sister, mother, or daughter to obtain a visa on arrival or through electronic pre-approval.
This restriction does not apply to women or families traveling together, nor does it extend to Nigerian men holding valid residence permits in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries or those transiting through Qatar for onward flights.
“The Qatar Ministry of Interior has announced updated visa regulations for Nigerian travellers, following recent cases of overstays.
“A confirmed return transfer must now be booked alongside your hotel before your tourist or transit visa can be processed.
“Only females or families may apply. Male travellers are no longer eligible unless accompanied by their family. Only 5-star hotels are now accepted for visa qualification,” the notice read in part.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports also that travel agencies have begun to send messages to their customers about this new visa restriction.
One of the travel agencies TravelTank said: “Dear Valued Client,
“The Qatar Ministry of Interior has announced updated visa regulations for Nigerian travellers, following recent cases of overstays. Please take note of the requirements below:
Key Changes Effective Immediately
1. Mandatory Return Transfer
A confirmed return transfer must now be booked alongside your hotel before your tourist or transit visa can be processed.
2. Restricted Eligibility
Only females and families may apply. Male travellers are no longer eligible unless accompanied by their family.
3. Hotel Requirement
5-star hotels are now accepted for visa qualification.
Important: These requirements apply to all pending visa approvals.”
Reacting to the development, a former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has called on the Nigerian government to investigate the numerous visa restrictions imposed against Nigerians.
Sani added that the Nigerian government should also prosecute any Nigerian who violates the immigration rules of any country.
He said: “In view of the fact that more countries are restricting Nigerian travellers because of the activities of a few bad eggs, the time has come for Nigerian Immigration to take action against our own citizens with records of breaches of law or violations abroad.
“We must not sit down and do nothing while the image and reputation of our country are tarnished by a handful of citizens engaged in fraudulent practices abroad.”
Below are some reactions from Nigerians;
