Saudi Arabian authorities have refuted a viral memo that alleged travel restrictions on Nigeria and 13 other countries, calling the information misleading and unauthorized.
As reported by The Cabel, the widely circulated document claimed that nations such as Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh would be barred from applying for short-term Saudi visas beginning April 13.
It also suggested that individuals from these countries, even with valid visas, would be denied entry and risk a five-year ban for violating the rule.
However, when contacted by TheCable, the Saudi Tourism Authority confirmed that no such directive had been issued. The agency clarified that the only current advisory concerns Hajj-related travel.
The official guideline restricts tourist visa holders from performing Hajj or entering Makkah between 01 Thul Quda and 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (which falls between April 29 and June 11, 2025).
The Saudi government emphasized that only pilgrims with official Hajj visas are allowed during this sacred period and warned against relying on unofficial sources for travel information.
Authorities urged the public to ignore the unverified document and adhere strictly to announcements from recognized Saudi institutions.