The Nigerian government has clarified that the country is not among those affected by a recent travel entry ban into Saudi Arabia. This follows viral rumors that Nigeria, along with Egypt, India, Pakistan, and several other nations, would be banned from entering the Kingdom starting April 13.
In a statement released on Monday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, sought to put the record straight, describing the circulating memo as false and misleading. The statement, which was issued through the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, aimed to calm public anxiety and prevent misinformation from disrupting travel plans.
The viral document, which began circulating widely on social media, included a list of countries, including Nigeria, that allegedly faced restrictions on entry into Saudi Arabia. However, Tuggar clarified that Saudi authorities had officially denied such a ban. He pointed out that the Saudi Tourism Centre had confirmed that no such directive exists, and the claims were nothing more than misinformation.
Tuggar further explained that the confusion arose due to a misunderstanding of the official travel guidelines issued by Saudi Arabia. According to the minister, the only travel restriction in place concerns the Hajj pilgrimage. These restrictions are limited to tourist visa holders, specifically during the period from April 29 to June 11, 2025, which corresponds to the Hajj season.
“The Saudi authorities have emphasized that the only restrictions apply to individuals holding tourist visas. During the period from April 29 to June 11, no tourist visa holders will be permitted to enter or remain in Makkah,” Tuggar explained. “The restriction does not apply to other forms of travel, including the Hajj pilgrimage itself.”
Tuggar went on to clarify that the Hajj visa, which is issued specifically for pilgrims intending to perform the religious rites, remains the only valid entry permit for visitors during this period. The minister stressed that the restriction pertains solely to non-pilgrims and does not affect Nigerian citizens who are traveling to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Hajj.
He also advised Nigerians planning to travel to Saudi Arabia to ignore the misleading memo circulating online and instead seek verification through reliable sources. “It is crucial to ensure that any information related to travel is verified through official channels to avoid confusion or disruption to travel plans,” Tuggar cautioned.
The Foreign Minister further emphasized the importance of consulting official sources for accurate travel information. He recommended that travelers should check with recognized diplomatic channels, including the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and official Saudi sources, to get updates on travel guidelines and regulations.
The clarification came as a relief to many Nigerian citizens who were concerned about the impact of the false information, particularly those planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for the upcoming Hajj season. The Nigerian government’s prompt action in addressing the rumors highlights the need for accurate communication and official guidance in an era where misinformation can spread quickly, especially via social media.
Saudi Arabia’s annual Hajj pilgrimage is a significant religious event for Muslims worldwide, drawing millions of pilgrims from across the globe. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, many Nigerians, along with other Muslims, make plans to travel for religious purposes, including Hajj and Umrah. With the global impact of COVID-19 still fresh in many people’s minds, the recent uncertainty regarding travel restrictions could have caused additional stress for those hoping to undertake their religious obligations.
The confusion surrounding the entry ban is not the first instance of misinformation affecting Nigerian travelers. Over the years, rumors and unfounded travel restrictions have circulated, often leading to confusion and disruptions in travel plans. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continually urged citizens to seek official information when making travel decisions, especially regarding the Hajj pilgrimage, which is closely regulated by both the Nigerian and Saudi governments.
In addition to reassuring the public, Tuggar’s statement underscored the necessity for Nigerians to rely on established and verified channels of information, particularly when planning international travel. The minister reiterated that spreading unverified information, especially regarding matters that can have a significant impact on people’s lives, such as travel restrictions, could create unnecessary panic and confusion.
Nigerians are now advised to disregard the false claims and follow the correct guidelines set by Saudi Arabia for travel during the Hajj season. With the travel period for the Hajj fast approaching, it is essential that Nigerian pilgrims follow all necessary procedures, including obtaining the appropriate Hajj visa, to ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey.
The Saudi government has already put measures in place to manage the flow of pilgrims and ensure their safety during the pilgrimage season. These measures are part of the broader efforts to accommodate millions of Muslims, even amid challenges posed by global health concerns and logistical complexities. However, the decision to restrict tourist visa holders during the Hajj period is aimed at ensuring that only those intending to perform the pilgrimage can access the holy sites in Makkah, with strict regulations in place to avoid overcrowding.
Tuggar also took the opportunity to remind Nigerians of the importance of respecting the laws and regulations of any country they plan to visit, emphasizing that failure to comply with these rules could result in serious consequences. He urged travelers to be diligent in seeking information and following the correct procedures before embarking on their journeys.
As the situation regarding the Saudi entry ban appears to have been resolved, it is hoped that Nigerians who have planned to travel for religious purposes will now proceed with their preparations with confidence, knowing that the entry ban does not apply to them. The clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has helped to dispel confusion and reaffirm the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting the interests of its citizens abroad.
With the Hajj season drawing nearer, the Nigerian government remains focused on ensuring that its citizens can travel safely and with the correct documentation, in compliance with both Nigerian and Saudi regulations. The hope is that the clarification issued by Tuggar will help restore calm and encourage Nigerian pilgrims to make their travel plans with assurance and clarity.
As the world continues to deal with global uncertainties, the need for reliable and timely information has never been more critical, and the Nigerian government’s efforts in addressing the misinformation regarding the Saudi entry ban have highlighted the importance of clear communication in today’s interconnected world.
