Qatar Blocks Solo Travel for Nigerian Men

Qatar has barred Nigerian men from travelling alone under new visa rules, effectively ending solo trips for male travellers to the Gulf nation.

The policy, introduced by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior around September 5, 2025, applies to both tourist and transit visas.

According to Vanguard, the new regulations are meant to curb overstays but are already raising concerns about their wider impact on business, travel, and diplomatic ties.

Under the revised rules, only families or women are eligible to apply for visas, while men travelling independently are excluded unless accompanied by family. Applicants must also present proof of a confirmed return transfer and book accommodation strictly in five-star hotels before visas are processed.

For many Nigerians especially businessmen, students, and those using Doha as a transit hub to Asia and Europe the policy comes as a major setback. Independent travel for men has now been cut off, increasing costs and limiting opportunities.

“This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” Vanguard gathered.

Qatar insists the decision is aimed at preventing visa overstays, but the restrictions could put pressure on bilateral relations and disrupt people-to-people connections between both countries.

Male travellers in particular now face the burden of either cancelling trips or restructuring plans under stricter and costlier conditions.

This is not the first time visa policies have created friction. In 2019, then Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki appealed to Qatar to ease entry restrictions for Nigerians. Similarly, in 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika urged the Gulf nation to adopt a fairer visa system. However, the new rules appear even tougher, especially on Nigerian men.