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- Qatar has introduced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerian travellers, citing concerns over recent overstays
- The updated policy bars unaccompanied male applicants and limits eligibility to females and families only
- Travellers must now book confirmed return transfers and stay exclusively in 5-star hotels to qualify for a visa
The Qatari government has introduced changes to its visa policy for Nigerian nationals, effectively barring unaccompanied male travellers from obtaining tourist or transit visas.
The new restrictions were revealed in a letter shared on Facebook by Akintunde Babatunde, Director at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), on 10 September.
Source: UGC
According to the letter, issued by the Qatar Ministry of Interior and circulated by TravelTank, the updated visa regulations were prompted by “recent cases of overstays” involving Nigerian visitors. The ministry outlined three key changes that took immediate effect.
The revised policy mandates that all Nigerian applicants must book a confirmed return transfer alongside their hotel reservation before their visa can be processed.
Additionally, eligibility has been restricted to female travellers and families. Male applicants are now excluded unless they are travelling with family members.
The letter stated:
“Only females or families may apply. Male travellers are no longer eligible unless accompanied by their family.”
In a further tightening of requirements, only bookings at 5-star hotels will be accepted for visa qualification. The ministry clarified that these conditions apply not only to new applications but also to all pending visa approvals.
Travel agencies urge compliance with Qatar’s visa policy
TravelTank, the agency that disseminated the notice, advised affected travellers to seek support or clarification through its official contact channels. The letter concluded with:
“For further enquiries or support, please contact us: visas@traveltank.com or call 0916 834 2924.”
The announcement has sparked concern among Nigerian travel stakeholders, with many calling for diplomatic engagement to address the implications of the policy shift. As of now, Qatari authorities have not issued a public statement beyond the circulated letter.
Source: Legit.ng
