Qatar has tightened its visa rules for Nigerians and will no longer issue tourist or transit visas to men travelling without their families.
The new policy was announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior and communicated to Nigerian travellers through TravelTank, an online travel agency.
The directive takes immediate effect and applies to both new and pending applications.
Under the revised rules, only women and family groups can apply for tourist or transit visas independently. In addition, applicants must provide proof of five-star hotel bookings before their visas will be processed.
Qatari authorities said the restrictions were introduced to curb immigration breaches, citing a rise in cases of Nigerians overstaying their visas.
The move is aimed at tightening compliance and protecting the country’s immigration system.
The decision is expected to impact Nigerian men who frequently travel alone for tourism or transit purposes. Travel agencies warn that the new conditions will increase costs and reduce flexibility for many travellers.
Pending applications from men travelling without families will now be subject to the revised requirements, meaning many may be refused unless they meet the new conditions.
The change adds to a growing list of countries imposing tighter entry rules on Nigerians, reflecting wider concerns over overstays and compliance with immigration laws.