Saudi Arabia has suspended its visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 14 nations, including Nigeria, with immediate effect, according to a viral social media post and an internal circular. The Saudi Tourism Centre has clarified that the suspension is tied to specific visa categories, not a blanket ban, but travellers report being denied boarding at airports.
List of 14 Countries Affected by Saudi Visa Suspension
The purported list of prohibited nations spans Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The countries affected are: Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen, India, and Iraq. The circular, shared by UK-based Nigerian Ibironke Khadeejah Quadri (@ronkecarew) on X, states the restriction remains until further notice, exempting those with previously issued Saudi tourist visas.
Quadri posted: "VISA ON ARRIVAL is currently suspended for Nigerian passport holders. One of my persons was affected today, so I know it's been enforced. Please don't be caught out." She added that she was at Manchester airport on 7 July 2026, and her person was denied boarding on a Qatar flight, alongside a Pakistani group.
Conflicting Claims Over Hajj vs Indefinite Suspension
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad disputed the claim, saying the document is an old Hajj-related circular. He wrote: "The document you shared is an old document that circulated during the Hajj period." However, an aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, @Riddwane, countered: "No oo… I was personally affected by the rule two weeks ago. The suspension is indefinite."
Other users reported similar incidents. Aisha Yusuf (@ayeesha0592) said: "It's true Qatar Airways refused I and my family from boarding on Wednesday 8/7/26 at Heathrow Airport. They said a work visa does not qualify for VOA even though we showed them proof on the Saudi embassy website." Usman Yusuf (@usi360) added: "I was at Heathrow on Monday and people were denied Boarding pass because of this policy."
Saudi Tourism Centre Clarifies Eligibility
Legit.ng contacted the Saudi Tourism Centre for clarification. The centre stated: "Travelers who hold the following (a US, UK or Schengen visa holder or a UK, US & EU country resident) are eligible for the Visa on Arrival, and we highly advise to visit our official website to check the travelers' eligibility for both Visa on Arrival and the eVisa."
This suggests the suspension may not be absolute but limited to those without qualifying visas. However, the centre did not directly address the 14-country list or the duration of any suspension.
Official Visa Requirements for Nigerians
Legit.ng reviewed the Visit Saudi portal, which outlines three categories for Nigerian travellers:
- Standard passport holders (no US, UK, Schengen, or GCC ties) cannot access Visa on Arrival or eVisa; they must apply for a consulate visa or transit visa.
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas/residents are eligible for eVisa, Visa on Arrival, or transit visa.
- Residents of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) can obtain eVisa or transit visa.
These rules may have been tightened during the Hajj season, but the Saudi Tourism Centre's response indicates that those with qualifying visas should still be able to enter.
Impact on Travellers and Verification Advice
The confusion has led to travellers being denied boarding, causing disruption. Some airlines may be misinterpreting the circular. Legit.ng used AI to translate the Arabic circular, which read: "Saudi Arabia has suspended visa-on-arrival entry for citizens of 14 countries during the Hajj season, including those travelling on the basis of valid U.S. or Schengen visas." This suggests the suspension is temporary, linked to Hajj, and applies even to those with US or Schengen visas.
However, the Saudi Tourism Centre's clarification contradicts this, as it affirms eligibility for US, UK, and Schengen visa holders. This discrepancy highlights the need for travellers to verify directly with official sources before travel.
Broader Regional Context
In a related development, Ghana announced visa-free entry for all African passport holders, with a new e-visa platform, as reported by Legit.ng. This contrasts with Saudi Arabia's stricter measures, reflecting varying immigration policies across regions.
Travellers are advised to check the official Visit Saudi portal for real-time eligibility updates and to contact airlines before departure to avoid being caught out.
