FG Refutes Claim of Visa Ban by Saudi Arabia 

By Muhammad Muntazar

The Nigerian government has refuted claims circulating online that Nigeria is included in a list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia from April 13, 2025. A statement was released by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, asking the public to disregard the false claims.

The viral memo had named several countries, including Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh, as restricted from applying for new short-term Saudi visas. These restrictions allegedly included visas for business, visits (single/multi-entry), tourism, and family visits. The document also claimed that citizens from the listed countries would not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia from the effective date, even if they held valid visas, and that non-compliance may result in a 5-year ban from entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

However, the federal government clarified that the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season. “Individuals holding tourist visas are not permitted to perform Hajj, enter, or stay in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025, (corresponding to 01 Thul Qada to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH),” the statement read. “The Hajj visa remains the sole authorized entry permit for pilgrims during this period.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the public to disregard the misleading document and to always verify travel information from official sources before taking action. “Spreading unverified information can cause unnecessary confusion and disrupt travel plans,” the statement warned. Travelers were advised to consult official Saudi government sources, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or accredited diplomatic channels for accurate and up-to-date information.

The Saudi Arabian authorities have also officially denied the validity of the viral memo, further emphasizing the need for travelers to rely on credible sources for information.