Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Addresses False Entry Ban Rumors Regarding Saudi Arabia
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially dismissed widespread rumors regarding an entry ban affecting the country set to begin on April 13, 2025. In a statement released on Monday by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the media aide to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the ministry reassured the public that these claims are completely unfounded.
Clarifying the situation, the Ministry noted that Saudi Arabian authorities have confirmed there is no entry ban in place. The Saudi Tourism Centre has also publicly refuted the viral memo that alleged multiple countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Pakistan, would face visa restrictions.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to categorically reject the false claims circulating online regarding Nigeria being included in a supposed list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia starting April 13, 2025,” the statement read.
Importantly, the Ministry highlighted that the existing travel guidelines pertain solely to the Hajj pilgrimage. Specifically, individuals holding tourist visas will not be permitted to enter Makkah or participate in Hajj from April 29 to June 11, 2025. Only those in possession of a Hajj visa will be allowed entry during this period.
In light of this misinformation, the Ministry urged Nigerian citizens to disregard the misleading document and emphasized the necessity of verifying travel details through official channels. Travelers are strongly encouraged to seek accurate and updated information from either the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or official Saudi government sources.
“To clarify, the only restriction applies to holders of tourist visas during the Hajj season, prohibiting them from entering, staying in, or performing Hajj in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025, which corresponds to 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH. The Hajj visa is the sole authorized entry permit for pilgrims during this timeframe,” the statement concluded.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated the importance of caution when disseminating information, as spreading unverified claims can lead to unnecessary confusion and disrupt travel arrangements. Travelers are encouraged to always verify information through official sources before making travel plans.
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