The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked reports claiming that Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary entry ban on Nigeria, stating that the information widely circulated online on Monday is false and misleading
In a statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the ministry clarified:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to categorically refute the false claims circulating online, alleging that Nigeria has been included in a list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia from April 13, 2025.”
According to the statement, Saudi Arabian authorities have denied the authenticity of the viral memo, which falsely suggested that countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Pakistan were facing visa restrictions and entry bans.
The Saudi Tourism Centre also confirmed that no such directive exists. It emphasized that current travel regulations only relate to the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
“For clarity, the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season. Individuals holding a tourist visa are not permitted to perform Hajj, enter, or stay in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). The Hajj visa remains the sole authorised entry permit for pilgrims during this period,” the ministry noted.
The ministry urged Nigerians to disregard the misleading document and verify travel details through official sources.
“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,” it added.
Earlier reports had alleged that Saudi Arabia had suspended citizens of Nigeria and 13 other countries from applying for certain visa categories in the lead-up to the Hajj pilgrimage. The alleged list included Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Yemen, Jordan, and Indonesia.
Saudi officials clarified that any restrictions are aimed at ensuring safety by preventing unregistered individuals from attempting the pilgrimage without proper permits. While Umrah visa holders are still permitted entry until April 13, the authorities stressed that only those with official Hajj visas would be allowed in Makkah during the designated Hajj period.
Unauthorized pilgrims, the statement warned, may lack access to essential amenities, making the physically demanding journey more dangerous.
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