The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially debunked viral claims that Saudi Arabia imposed a visa ban on Nigeria and 12 other nations.
Saudi Authorities Confirm No Visa Ban on Nigerians
Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, clarified through his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, that Saudi officials confirmed the memo was fake.
He described the widely circulated document naming Nigeria, India, Egypt, and others as misleading and inaccurate.
Viral Memo Declared False
The Saudi Tourism Centre dismissed the viral memo suggesting visa bans from April 13, 2025.
Officials emphasized that no such directive exists, and that travel restrictions only apply during the Hajj season.
Only Hajj-Related Visa Restrictions Apply
According to Saudi authorities, tourist visa holders cannot enter Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025.
Only those with valid Hajj visas will be allowed to enter during this period for religious pilgrimage.
Ministry Urges Travelers to Verify Information
The Foreign Affairs Ministry advised Nigerians to disregard the fake memo and rely on official travel advisories.
“Spreading false information causes confusion and disrupts travel plans,” the ministry warned.
Check Verified Sources for Travel Updates
For accurate updates, travelers should consult official Saudi channels, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or accredited embassies.
This reminder comes after multiple blogs falsely claimed Saudi Arabia banned visa applications from 13 countries, including Nigeria.
Stay Informed, Travel Smart
