Qatar has rolled out a fresh travel policy that prevents Nigerian men travelling alone from securing tourist or transit visas. The move, effective from September 5, 2025, is part of efforts by the Gulf nation to clamp down on overstays, according to officials.

Under the new directive by the Ministry of Interior, only women and families can apply for tourist or transit visas, while men travelling independently are excluded unless they are accompanied by family members.

Applicants are also required to show confirmed return tickets and book accommodation strictly in five-star hotels before their visas can be processed.

The rules are already raising concerns among Nigerians, especially male business travellers, students, and those who often use Doha as a stopover to Asia and Europe. 

A travel industry source told Vanguard, “This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family.”

While Qatar insists the measure is to control illegal stays, analysts fear the policy could affect bilateral relations and reduce people-to-people exchange between both nations. Male travellers now face tough choices either cancelling trips or adjusting plans under stricter and more expensive requirements.

This is not the first time visa restrictions have caused friction between Nigeria and Qatar. In 2019, former Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed for easier entry for Nigerians, while in 2023, ex-Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika also pushed for a fairer system. However, the current rules appear much tougher, with Nigerian men singled out as the main target.

We know why, Nigeria men too fine. That means Nigeria single women are allowed but not Nigeria Men.