- Saudi Arabia Denies Imposing Visa Ban On Nigeria, 13 Other Countries.
- Viral memo falsely claimed new travel ban starts April 13.
- Only Hajj-related travel restrictions confirmed by authorities.
Saudi Arabia has firmly denied claims that it has issued a visa restriction or entry ban against Nigeria and 13 other countries.
The denial follows the circulation of a memo alleging that nationals from Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh had been barred from applying for new short-term visas to Saudi Arabia.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the viral memo, the supposed ban—set to begin on April 13—would affect visa categories including business, single and multiple-entry visits, tourism, and family visits.
It also warned that individuals from the affected countries, even with valid visas, would be refused entry into the kingdom from the stated date. The document further claimed non-compliance could attract a five-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia.
However, the Saudi Tourism Authority has refuted the claims and discredited the document, insisting no such directive was issued.
Speaking to TheCable, the agency clarified that the only official circular currently in place pertains strictly to Hajj travel guidelines. Specifically, it restricts tourists from entering Makkah during the Hajj season, which falls between 01 Thul Quda and 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (corresponding to 29 April to 11 June 2025).
“Anyone holding a tourist visa is not permitted to perform Hajj, enter, or stay inside Makkah during that period,” the agency stated on Thursday.
Naija News further explains that the Hajj visa remains a specialized category solely for pilgrims and is not interchangeable with tourist or other types of travel visas. Visitors are expected to obtain the appropriate visa that matches the purpose of their trip.
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