The Federal Government has officially confirmed that Nigeria is not subject to Saudi Arabia’s upcoming travel restrictions set to take effect on April 13. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar dismissed circulating reports suggesting Nigeria was among several countries facing an entry ban as “false and misleading.”
In a statement released Monday by his media aide Alkasim Abdulkadir, Minister Tuggar revealed that Saudi authorities had directly confirmed Nigeria’s exclusion from any such ban list. The clarification comes after a viral document erroneously grouped Nigeria with nations like Egypt, India and Pakistan as being affected by new immigration measures.
“The Saudi Tourism Centre has verified no such comprehensive travel ban exists,” Tuggar stated. “The only applicable restrictions concern tourist visa holders during the Hajj pilgrimage period from April 29 to June 11.”
The Minister emphasized that standard Hajj visas remain the sole valid entry document for pilgrims during the Islamic holy season. Tourist visa holders will be prohibited from entering or remaining in Makkah throughout this period, but no broader restrictions apply to Nigerian travelers.
Tuggar cautioned Nigerians against circulating unverified travel advisories, warning that misinformation could unnecessarily disrupt travel plans. He urged prospective travelers to obtain updates exclusively through official Saudi government sources, Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry, or authorized diplomatic channels.
The clarification provides relief for Nigerian pilgrims and business travelers amid growing regional travel uncertainties. Saudi Arabia typically implements special immigration protocols during Hajj to manage the annual influx of over two million visitors to Islam’s holiest sites.
