Five Christian pilgrims from Nigeria’s Plateau State were denied entry into Israel after arriving in Jordan, as part of the state’s 2026 Holy Land pilgrimage. The pilgrims were among the first batch of 295 who travelled to visit biblical sites; however, they were stopped at the Jordan-Israel border because their visas were valid for Jordan only.
The Plateau State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board had forwarded names to the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for visa processing. Executive Secretary Rev. Wanson Yusufu Bagu said the visa list was received shortly before the pilgrims’ orientation, leaving no time to correct the error. “Had we known earlier, we could have informed them in time, allowing them the option to either stay in Jordan or cancel their trip,” he stated.
Rev. Bagu described the situation as disappointing, noting Israel’s centrality to Christian pilgrimage due to its significance in the biblical narrative of Jesus. He acknowledged that visa denials are a normal part of international travel, citing similar instances for wealthy travellers to the UK or USA.
The Israeli embassy had previously notified Jordanian authorities about the visa restriction. As a result, the five affected pilgrims are not stranded. Jordanian officials have provided hotel accommodation, meals, transport with drivers, and tour guides. They will visit biblical and historical sites in Jordan until the main group completes its programme in Israel and returns.
The initial batch was planned for 300 pilgrims but saw 295 depart. Three batches are scheduled in total. For the second batch, the board has forwarded 466 names, with an expected 350 pilgrims departing on March 5, 2026. A third batch of approximately 350 is also planned, with a departure date yet to be fixed.
Rev. Bagu also clarified that the Plateau State Government has not increased its sponsorship contribution. The rise in overall pilgrimage costs is attributed to exchange rate fluctuations, a challenge previously experienced by Muslim pilgrims during the Hajj.
The incident underscores the logistical complexities of coordinating large-scale international religious travel, where visa accuracy and timing are critical. While the five pilgrims will miss the core Israel portion of the journey, arrangements ensure their safety and engagement in Jordan. The pilgrimage programme for the remaining travellers continues as scheduled.
