The Qatar Ministry of Interior has introduced stricter visa requirements for Nigerian travellers, due to increasing cases of overstays by visitors from the country.
The new regulations have significantly altered eligibility conditions and travel prerequisites for Nigerian citizens seeking tourist or transit visas.
According to an advisory issued by TravelTank, the changes are part of Qatar’s efforts to curb abuse of its immigration system.
The Ministry said that travellers must comply fully with the updated conditions before their visa applications can be processed.
The revised policy says applicants must now present proof of a confirmed return transfer alongside their hotel booking before their tourist or transit visa can be approved.
It explains that this requirement is intended to ensure that visitors have concrete plans to leave Qatar at the end of their stay
Only female applicants and families are eligible to apply for tourist or transit visas, the revised policy said, adding that male travellers will no longer be considered unless they are accompanied by their families.
In order to tighten the process, Qatar will now only accept bookings from 5-star hotels as part of visa qualification. This move is aimed at ensuring that only genuine tourists with adequate accommodation arrangements are granted entry.
The new rules are not limited to fresh applications, it added.
TravelTank confirmed that the requirements also apply to all pending visa approvals, potentially affecting many Nigerians who had already initiated their travel plans under the previous system.