Qatar's Ministry of Interior has imposed sweeping new visa restrictions on Nigerian travelers, effectively barring men from obtaining tourist or transit visas unless accompanied by family, a policy that took effect around September 5, 2025.

Aimed at curbing frequent overstays, the rules also mandate confirmed return flights and bookings at five-star hotels, drawing sharp criticism from Nigerian travel agencies and officials who warn of disrupted business ties and higher costs for families. The changes, first reported by travel industry sources last week, apply immediately to both new and pending applications.

Under the revised guidelines, only women or family groups qualify for eligibility, leaving independent male travelers—such as business executives, students, and those using Doha as a transit hub to Asia or Europe—unable to proceed without restructuring their plans. Applicants must now provide proof of a return ticket and accommodation solely in five-star properties, which could add hundreds of dollars to trip expenses, particularly for budget-conscious Nigerians.

Qatari authorities cited a rise in overstays by Nigerian visitors as the primary rationale, emphasizing the need to enforce compliance with entry and exit regulations. The policy aligns with broader efforts to manage immigration amid Qatar's role as a global transit point via Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways, which operates direct flights to Lagos and Abuja.

However, Nigerian stakeholders view the measures as discriminatory and overly punitive, potentially straining bilateral relations. A representative from a Lagos-based travel agency told Vanguard that "for men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family," highlighting impacts on professionals and families separated by work.

The restrictions come at a time when Nigerians already navigate tightened visa regimes in several countries, including the UAE's longstanding freeze and enhanced U.S. screening. In 2019, then-Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed to Qatar for eased entry barriers, while former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika raised similar concerns in 2023.

Travel experts predict ripple effects on Qatar Airways' Nigerian routes and regional trade, with low- to middle-income travelers hit hardest by the luxury hotel requirement. Some agencies are advising clients to explore alternative hubs like Istanbul or Dubai, though those face their own hurdles.

While Qatar maintains the rules promote orderly tourism—where the country welcomed over 4 million visitors last year—the policy has sparked calls for diplomatic intervention from Abuja. Nigerian officials have yet to issue a formal response, but analysts suggest negotiations could focus on data-sharing to address overstays without blanket exclusions.

For now, thousands of pending applications hang in limbo, forcing many to cancel or delay trips.