The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official clarification dismissing reports that Nigeria is among countries facing an entry ban into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia starting April 13, 2025.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the clarification was made on Monday by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, through his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
The minister addressed concerns over a viral memo circulating on social media, which falsely claimed that Nigeria, along with Egypt, India, and Pakistan, would be banned from entering Saudi Arabia. Tuggar described the document as both misleading and inaccurate.
READ ALSO: 2025 Hajj: Saudi Arabia Suspends Visa For Nigeria, Other Countries
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Saudi Tourism Centre has officially confirmed that no such directive exists.
“The Saudi Tourism Centre confirmed no such directive exists. Current official travel guidelines only apply to the Hajj pilgrimage,” Tuggar stated.
He explained that the only restriction currently in place concerns tourists with non-Hajj visas. Specifically, individuals holding tourist visas will not be allowed to perform Hajj or enter or remain in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (corresponding to 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH).
READ ALSO: FG Supports Nationwide Protests, Gives Conditions
During this time, only those with valid Hajj visas will be granted access to the holy city.
Tuggar urged Nigerians and the international community to disregard the misleading memo and to rely solely on official sources when planning travel.
“Sharing unverified information causes confusion and may affect travel arrangements,” the minister warned.
For verified travel updates, the minister advised the public to consult the official channels of the Saudi authorities, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or recognized diplomatic platforms.