Nigerian men travelling alone to Qatar have been barred from obtaining tourist or transit visas under a new policy rolled out by the Gulf nation.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior announced the fresh regulations this week, citing repeated cases of visa overstays by Nigerian visitors as the reason for the clampdown.
According to the new rules, only women and families are now eligible to apply for entry permits. Male travellers will only be considered if they are accompanied by their families.
In addition, applicants must show proof of a confirmed return ticket and hotel booking before their applications are processed. But only five-star hotel reservations will be recognised under the revised guidelines.
The directive, which took immediate effect, also covers applications already submitted but yet to be approved.
