Saudi authorities have dismissed reports circulating online about a supposed travel restriction placed on Nigeria and 13 other countries, describing the viral memo as false and unofficial.
The memo, which gained traction on social media, claimed that citizens from countries including Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh would be barred from applying for new short-term Saudi visas starting April 13.
It also stated that the visa categories affected would include business, tourism, family visits, and both single and multiple-entry visit visas. The document further claimed that individuals from these nations would be denied entry even with valid visas, warning of a potential five-year entry ban for non-compliance.
However, when contacted by TheCable, the Saudi Tourism Centre debunked the memo, clarifying that no such directive was issued by the Kingdom.
According to the centre, the only official circular currently in place relates to the upcoming Hajj season. The guideline clearly states that holders of tourist visas are not allowed to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage or stay in Makkah between 01 Thul Quda and 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (corresponding to 29 April to 11 June 2025).
The agency emphasized that Hajj-specific visas are required for pilgrims, and tourist visa holders must avoid Makkah during the restricted period.
Saudi authorities urged the public to rely only on official channels for travel updates and disregard misleading or unverified information.