Qatar Restricts Visas for Solo Nigerian Men

Qatar has introduced new visa rules that stop Nigerian men travelling alone from obtaining tourist or transit visas.

The Ministry of Interior says the policy is aimed at reducing visa overstays, but it has already raised concerns about the impact on business travel, family ties, and broader relations between both countries.

The measure, which took effect around 5 September 2025, applies to new and pending applications. Under the revised guidance, only women or family groups are eligible to apply for tourist or transit visas. Nigerian men may only qualify if they are travelling with family.

Authorities now also require applicants to show a confirmed return booking and to secure accommodation in a five-star hotel before a visa can be processed.

For many Nigerians who rely on Doha as a convenient hub to Asia and Europe, the rule change is a major setback.

Solo male travellers, including business executives and students, face the prospect of cancelling plans or reorganising trips through other gateways, often at higher cost and with longer journey times. Travel industry sources warn that independent travel for men has effectively been cut off under the new regime.

Officials in Doha say the policy targets overstays and is not directed at any single nationality. In Nigeria, however, the restrictions are seen as likely to strain people to people links and complicate routine travel for work, study, and family visits.

Visa access has been a sensitive topic in the past. In 2019, calls were made for Qatar to ease entry barriers for Nigerians, and in 2023 Nigerian officials again pressed for a fairer and more predictable system. The latest rules are viewed as tougher than previous measures, particularly for men who travel without family.

What happens next will depend on how strictly the policy is applied at consulates and airports, and whether exemptions or clarifications follow.

For now, Nigerian men planning to visit or transit Qatar are being advised to review itineraries, check eligibility carefully, and consider alternative routes until there is further guidance.