Saudi Arabia Denies Placing Nigeria, Other Countries On Travel Ban
Saudi Arabian authorities have denied issuing a memo notifying travellers of visa restrictions and an entry ban for Nigeria and other countries.
The memo had named Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, and Algeria among the countries facing the restrictions.
Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh were also listed as restricted from applying for new short-term Saudi visas, including visas for business, visits (single/multi-entry), tourism, and family visits.
The restrictions, according to the viral memo are scheduled to take effect April 13.
The document added that citizens from the listed countries would not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia from the effective date even if they hold valid visas.
However, the Saudi Tourism Centre debunked the document as unofficial when contacted by TheCable.
The agency told TheCable that the only circular issued by the Saudi authorities were guidelines around hajj travel.
“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 Saudi agency said on Thursday.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
