The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement clarifying that there is no entry ban on Nigeria by Saudi Arabia, refuting widespread rumors circulating online on Monday. The misinformation suggested that Saudi authorities had temporarily suspended 13 countries, including Nigeria, from entering the kingdom.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, categorically denied the validity of these claims. According to the ministry, Saudi Arabian authorities have officially debunked the viral memo that falsely indicated visa restrictions for Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and several other nations.
“The Saudi Arabian authorities have confirmed that no such directive exists, and the only official travel guidelines currently in place pertain to the Hajj pilgrimage,” Abdulkadir explained. The ministry further emphasized that the only travel restriction currently imposed by Saudi Arabia applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season.
Clarification on Travel Restrictions
For clarity, the statement outlined that individuals holding tourist visas would not be allowed to enter or stay in Makkah during the Hajj season, from April 29 to June 11, 2025 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). The Hajj visa remains the only authorized entry permit for pilgrims during this period.
The ministry also urged Nigerians and other travelers to disregard the misleading information and verify travel updates 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 concluded.
The Misleading Viral Memo
Earlier reports had suggested that Saudi Arabia had suspended visa applications for Nigerians and citizens of 13 other countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Yemen, Jordan, and Indonesia, in preparation for the Hajj pilgrimage. The purported purpose of the suspension was to prevent unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage without official permits, which could lead to safety and logistical issues.
Visa Restrictions for Hajj Pilgrimage
The statement also clarified that while Umrah visa holders would still be allowed entry to Saudi Arabia until April 13, the broader visa suspension was expected to remain in effect until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.
Saudi Arabia operates a quota system for Hajj visas, allotting a limited number of permits to each country, typically distributed through a lottery system. However, the high cost of official Hajj packages often leads some individuals to resort to unauthorized travel arrangements. These unregistered pilgrims are at risk of lacking access to essential services such as air-conditioned tents, healthcare, and emergency medical care during the physically demanding journey.
In light of the confusion caused by the viral report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the importance of relying on verified information from credible sources to ensure safe and informed travel plans.
