Qatar bars Nigerian men from solo travel

Qatar Bars Nigerian Men from Obtaining Tourist, Transit Visas

Nigerian men travelling alone will no longer be able to secure tourist or transit visas to Qatar under new rules introduced by the country’s Ministry of Interior.

The policy, which took effect around September 5, 2025, is aimed at curbing overstays, according to Qatari authorities. However, the move has raised concerns over its impact on business travel, family ties, and diplomatic relations between both nations.

First reported by travel agencies and industry sources last week, the directive applies to both fresh and pending visa applications. Under the new rules, only women and families are eligible for tourist or transit visas, while men travelling independently are excluded unless accompanied by family members.

Applicants must also show proof of a confirmed return ticket and book accommodation exclusively in five-star hotels before their visa applications will be processed.

The decision is seen as a major setback for Nigerian male travellers—particularly business executives, students, and those who rely on Doha as a key transit hub to Asia and Europe. Independent male travel has effectively been halted, significantly increasing costs and limiting opportunities.

“This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not travelling with their family,” one travel industry source told Vanguard.

Qatar insists the measure is intended to tackle overstays. But for Nigeria, the restrictions risk straining bilateral ties and disrupting people-to-people connections. Male travellers now face the burden of cancelling travel plans or restructuring trips under stricter and more expensive conditions.

Visa-related disputes between Nigeria and Qatar are not new. In 2019, then-Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed to Qatari authorities to ease entry barriers for Nigerians, while in 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika also pressed for a fairer visa system. The latest rules, however, appear to be the most restrictive yet—particularly for Nigerian men.