Saudi Arabia has reportedly suspended its visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility for citizens from 14 countries, including Nigeria. This decision has sparked confusion and conflicting reports regarding the nature and duration of the restriction, particularly as it coincides with the Hajj season.

Reports indicate that some Nigerian travelers have been denied boarding on flights to Saudi Arabia due to this new policy. Ibironke Khadeejah Quadri, a Nigerian residing in the UK, shared her experience on social media, revealing that a family member was affected by the enforcement of the visa suspension. She urged travelers to secure appropriate visas before attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia.

While some users on social media have claimed that the suspension is temporary and only applies during the Hajj period, others, like Bashir Ahmad, assert that the restriction is indefinite. Ahmad recounted his own experience at the airport, where he witnessed fellow passengers with Nigerian passports being denied boarding, despite having valid travel documents.

Further complicating the situation, travelers have reported mixed reactions from airline staff regarding the enforcement of the visa policy. Aisha Yusuf shared that her family was turned away by Qatar Airways at Heathrow Airport, despite showing proof of eligibility on the Saudi embassy's website. Similarly, other travelers reported being denied boarding due to the same reasons, leading to frustration and confusion.

In response to the growing concerns, Legit.ng reached out to the Saudi Tourism Centre for clarification. The centre confirmed that while the VoA facility is not entirely closed to Nigerian citizens, it is now contingent upon specific visa and residency requirements. According to their statement, travelers who hold a valid visa from the US, UK, or Schengen countries, or those who are residents of these regions, are eligible for the VoA.

The Saudi authorities emphasized the importance of checking the official Visit Saudi portal for updated information on visa eligibility, particularly for Nigerian passport holders. They outlined that Nigerians without valid tourist or business visas from the US, UK, or Schengen zone, or without permanent residency in those areas or in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, would not qualify for the VoA or the eVisa options.

As the situation continues to evolve, Nigerian travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia are advised to stay informed about the latest visa requirements and to secure the necessary documentation ahead of their journeys. This development highlights the need for clear communication from authorities to prevent further confusion among travelers during this busy travel season.