Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially debunked a viral online document claiming that Nigeria, along with several other countries, has been included in an alleged travel ban list by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia starting April 13, 2025.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry categorically dismissed the report as false and misleading, urging the public to disregard the fake memo circulating across social media platforms.
According to the Ministry, the Saudi Arabian authorities have denied the existence of any such ban, confirming that no directive has been issued targeting Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, or any other nation regarding entry or visa restrictions.
“The Saudi Tourism Centre has confirmed that no such directive exists, and that the only official travel guidelines currently in place pertain to the Hajj pilgrimage,” said Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs.
For clarity, the Ministry emphasized that the only existing restriction applies solely to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season. Individuals with tourist visas are prohibited from performing Hajj or entering/staying in the holy city of Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (corresponding to 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). The Hajj visa remains the exclusive and valid permit for pilgrims during that period.
The statement cautioned the public against the spread of unverified travel information that could cause unnecessary confusion or panic.
“The Ministry urges the public to disregard the misleading document and to always verify travel information from official sources before taking action,” Abdulkadir added.
Travelers are advised to consult official Saudi government platforms, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or accredited diplomatic channels for authentic and up-to-date travel guidelines.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian citizens abroad and ensuring transparency in diplomatic communications.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to categorically refute the false claims circulating online, alleging that Nigeria has been included in a list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia from April 13, 2025.
The Saudi Arabian authorities have officially denied the validity of this viral memo, which falsely claims that several countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and others, would be subject to visa restrictions and an entry ban. The Saudi Tourism Centre has confirmed that no such directive exists, and that the only official travel guidelines currently in place pertain to the Hajj pilgrimage.
For clarity, the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season. Individuals holding a tourist visa are not permitted to perform Hajj, enter, or stay in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (corresponding to 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). The Hajj visa remains the sole authorized entry permit for pilgrims during this period.
The Ministry urges the public to disregard the misleading document and to always verify travel information from official sources before taking action. Spreading unverified information can cause unnecessary confusion and disrupt travel plans. For accurate and up-to-date information, travelers are advised to consult official Saudi government sources, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or accredited diplomatic channels.
Alkasim Abdulkadir
Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs