The Qatari government has introduced fresh visa restrictions barring single Nigerian men from obtaining tourist or transit visas, a measure authorities say is intended to curb rising cases of overstays by visitors from Nigeria.
The new rules quietly took effect on September 6, 2025, according to travel operators processing applications.
Since then, only women and family groups have been considered for approval, while applications from men travelling alone are automatically rejected.
Under the revised process, all applicants must provide evidence of a confirmed return or onward flight ticket and proof of a five-star hotel reservation in Qatar before visas can be granted.
Travel agencies confirm that pending applications lodged before the directive are also being reviewed under the stricter requirements.
The changes mark a departure from previous arrangements. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Nigerians had access to the Hayya e-Visa scheme, which simplified entry.
That system was discontinued at the end of 2023, and by 2024 visa applications were shifted to Discover Qatar, the official platform that relies on accredited partners such as Opulentiz.
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The A3 e-Visa route, which had allowed Nigerians with valid U.S., UK or Schengen visas to enter Qatar, was further scrapped in early 2025.
Industry experts say the latest restrictions complicate travel for Nigerians seeking leisure or business opportunities in the Gulf state.
“Solo male applicants are no longer eligible. Only families and women are being approved under the new directive,” a travel consultant familiar with the process explained.
Officials in Doha have yet to issue a formal statement on the development, but agencies note that enforcement has been strict since early September.
The policy has already fueled concern among Nigerian travelers and tour operators, who argue that it unfairly targets citizens and could strain tourism and business relations between both countries.