The Qatari Ministry of Interior has dismissed reports claiming that it imposed new visa restrictions on Nigerian passport holders.

A ministry official told the BBC Pidgin on Wednesday that there are no restrictions on Nigerians seeking to visit Qatar.

Social media reports had alleged that Qatari authorities introduced a travel ban preventing male applicants from entering the country unless they were travelling with their families.

The reports also claimed that only women or families could apply for visas, with additional requirements of a five-star hotel booking and a return flight ticket before applying for a travel or transit visa.

According to the viral reports, the notification cited frequent cases of overstays by Nigerian travellers as the reason.

However, according to the BBC, Hayya, Qatar’s digital platform for e-visa services, clarified that the visa application process remains unchanged.

“There has been no suspension or changes to the current procedures. If any updates are to be made, they will be announced on our official platforms,” it stated.

Qatar has seen increased visits from Nigerians in recent years, partly due to the diplomatic spat between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates between 2021 and 2024, which led to visa restrictions and suspension of flights. (The PUNCH)