By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has refuted online reports suggesting that Nigeria has been placed on a list of countries banned from entering Saudi Arabia, effective April 13, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, clarified that the viral memo alleging visa restrictions on Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and other countries was entirely false and had been discredited by Saudi authorities.
According to the statement, the Saudi Tourism Centre confirmed that no such directive exists, stating that the only valid travel advisory currently in effect relates specifically to the Hajj pilgrimage.
“For clarity, the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season. Individuals holding a tourist visa are not permitted to perform Hajj, enter, or stay in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (corresponding to 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH),” the statement noted.
It further stressed that the Hajj visa remains the sole authorised travel document for pilgrims during this period.
The Ministry cautioned the public against spreading unverified information and advised travellers to rely on official government sources for updates.
“Spreading unverified information can cause unnecessary confusion and disrupt travel plans. For accurate and up-to-date information, travellers are advised to consult official Saudi government sources, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or accredited diplomatic channels,” the statement added.