The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Nigeria is not on the list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia from April 13. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar clarified through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
The minister stated that Saudi officials have confirmed that the viral letter claiming Nigeria’s presence on the ban list is untrue.
He described the letter, which mentioned Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan and others as forbidden, deceptive and inaccurate. “The Saudi Tourism Centre confirmed no such directive exists. Current official travel guidelines only apply to the Hajj pilgrimage.
Tuggar clarified that tourist visa holders cannot perform Hajj, enter or stay in Makkah between April 29 and June 11 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). The Hajj visa is still the only valid entry permit for pilgrims during this time. Tuggar advised the public to confirm travel details through official sources.
