The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed online reports claiming that Saudi Arabia plans to ban Nigerian citizens from entering the Kingdom starting April 13, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, April 7, 2025, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the viral claims as false and misleading. The statement was signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister.
Ambassador Tuggar clarified that Saudi Arabian authorities have confirmed that the memo circulating online—which suggests that countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Pakistan face travel restrictions—is entirely fabricated.
He stated that the Saudi Tourism Authority has reiterated there are no such bans in place. The only current travel guideline pertains to the Hajj pilgrimage.
“For the record, the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj period. Holders of tourist visas are prohibited from performing Hajj and from entering or remaining in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH),” Tuggar explained.
He emphasized that the Hajj visa remains the sole valid entry permit for pilgrims during that time.
The Minister advised the public to ignore the misleading memo and urged travelers to verify all travel information through official sources to avoid confusion and disruption.
For credible updates, travelers are encouraged to consult the Saudi government’s official channels, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or recognized diplomatic outlets.
