Qatar has introduced new visa regulations for Nigerian travelers, significantly tightening entry requirements to address concerns over visa overstays.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior announced that only women and families are now eligible to apply for tourist or transit visas, effectively barring single male travelers unless accompanied by family members.
In addition to the eligibility restrictions, applicants must provide proof of a confirmed return ticket and book accommodations exclusively in five-star hotels to qualify for visa processing.
These rules apply retroactively to all pending visa applications, requiring Nigerians with ongoing applications to meet the new conditions.
The policy shift is expected to impact a significant number of Nigerian travelers, particularly single men who frequently visit Doha for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Qatar, a popular destination for Nigerian tourists, has cited frequent overstays as the primary reason for these measures.
Travel agencies, such as Travel Tank, have advised clients to review their travel plans and ensure compliance with the new requirements to avoid disruptions.
The restrictions have sparked concerns about their broader implications for migration policies and Nigeria-Qatar bilateral relations, as well as the challenges African travelers face in global mobility.