ABUJA — Saudi Arabia has clarified its 2025 Hajj travel policies following widespread reports claiming that Nigeria and several other nations face a sweeping visa suspension.
Contrary to viral claims, the Kingdom has not banned Nigerian citizens from entering its territory, according to a statement released Monday by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar. The minister emphasized that the only restrictions in place pertain to tourist visa holders during the annual Hajj season.
“The Saudi Tourism Centre has confirmed that no such directive banning Nigerians exists,” said Tuggar via a statement from his spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir. “Current official travel guidelines only apply to the pilgrimage period and aim to ensure order and safety.”
The Real Policy: Streamlining Hajj Logistics
Saudi authorities have temporarily suspended the issuance of tourist, business, and visit visas for certain nationalities during the Hajj period—April 29 to June 11, 2025 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH)—but this only applies to individuals not traveling for Hajj via approved channels.
The clarification follows concerns over the increasing use of Umrah or visit visas by unregistered pilgrims, which officials say contributed to the 2024 Hajj disaster, where thousands lost their lives amid severe overcrowding and extreme heat.
The Hajj visa remains the only valid entry permit for pilgrims during the designated period, a move Saudi officials say is designed to curb illegal overstays, regulate pilgrim movement, and prevent a repeat of past logistical failures.
Countries Misidentified in Viral Memo
An unverified memo circulating online had named 14 countries—including Nigeria, India, Egypt, Pakistan, and Indonesia—as subject to a blanket visa ban. This prompted widespread confusion among prospective pilgrims and travellers.
Tuggar has urged Nigerians to ignore the memo, labeling it as “misleading and inaccurate.”
“Sharing unverified information causes confusion and may affect travel arrangements,” he warned, advising travellers to verify all updates via official Saudi channels or the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Who Is Affected?
Only holders of tourist, business, or visit visas—who are not traveling under official Hajj programs—will be denied access to Makkah and other sacred sites during the Hajj period.
Approved pilgrims with valid Hajj documentation will be allowed entry and full participation in the religious rites.
