Nigerian men travelling alone are no longer eligible for tourist or transit visas to Qatar, under new rules issued by the country’s Ministry of Interior. Authorities say the move is aimed at curbing visa overstays, but the policy has sparked concerns about its impact on business, family ties, and broader bilateral relations. The restrictions, which took effect around September 5, 2025, were first disclosed by travel agencies and industry sources last week. They apply immediately to both fresh and pending applications. Under the revised guidelines, only women and families are permitted to apply, while men travelling independently are barred unless accompanied by relatives. Applicants must also show proof of a confirmed return transfer and secure accommodation exclusively in five-star hotels before their visas can be approved. For many Nigerians—particularly male executives, students, and travellers using Doha as a transit hub to Asia and Europe—the new rules represent a significant setback. Independent travel for men has effectively been shut down, increasing costs and limiting opportunities for those who depend on Qatar as a major gateway. “This is going to affect a lot of Nigerians who fly Qatar Airways to Asia or Europe. “For men, it is practically a travel ban if they are not going with their family,” Vanguard gathered. Qatar says the policy is aimed at stopping overstays, but for Nigeria, the restrictions risk straining ties and cutting people-to-people exchanges. Male travellers in particular now face the burden of either cancelling plans or restructuring trips under stricter and more expensive conditions. This is not the first time visa restrictions have created friction.