The Saudi Arabian authorities have denied claims circulating on social media suggesting that it had imposed visa restrictions on Nigeria and 13 other countries, describing the report as false and unofficial.
The rebuttal comes after a viral memo alleged that Saudi Arabia would, from April 13, 2025, suspend the issuance of new short-term visas — including business and visitor visas — to citizens of 14 countries.
The memo also claimed that even individuals with valid visas would be barred from entering the Kingdom.
Countries listed in the purported restriction include Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, and Algeria. The memo also warned that non-compliance could result in a five-year entry ban into the Kingdom.
However, when contacted the Saudi Tourism Authority clarified that no such directive had been issued. The agency noted that the only circular currently in effect pertains strictly to guidelines surrounding the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
“Anyone holding a tourist visa is not permitted to perform Hajj, enter, or stay inside Makkah during 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (29 April to 11 June 2025 AD),” the authority stated, adding that the Hajj visa is separate and exclusively valid during the designated pilgrimage period.
Saudi authorities reiterated that Muslims intending to perform Hajj must apply specifically for a Hajj visa, not a tourist visa.
The clarification has helped calm concerns, particularly among Nigerian pilgrims and travellers preparing for religious and business visits to the Kingdom.
The false document had raised widespread alarm, with many fearing potential disruptions to travel plans, especially with the Hajj season approaching.
Officials urge the public to rely solely on verified sources and official channels for travel-related information to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic.
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