India, Pakistan, Egypt, and more: Saudi Arabia imposes new visa restrictions on 14 countries
Visitors from these nations now limited to 30-day single-entry permits to curb unauthorised Hajj
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced a significant change to its visa regulations, restricting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas.
Effective February 1, 2025, the move is aimed at preventing unauthorised Hajj pilgrims and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
The new restrictions apply to visitors from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
The decision includes an indefinite suspension of one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits for nationals of these countries.
Revised visa rules
Under the updated policy, visitors from these nations will only be eligible for single-entry visas, which will be valid for 30 days. The maximum stay is also restricted to 30 days. However, Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas remain unaffected.
Saudi authorities have stated that the multiple-entry visa system was being misused, with some travellers overstaying their permitted duration or using visit visas to enter the country for unauthorised work. More significantly, a number of visitors were found to have performed Hajj without proper authorisation, bypassing official quotas.
Saudi Arabia enforces strict control over Hajj pilgrimage numbers, allocating specific quotas to each country. However, in recent years, unauthorised attendance has led to overcrowding and logistical challenges. The situation became particularly critical in 2024 when over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding. Officials believe that unregistered pilgrims contributed significantly to the crisis, necessitating stricter regulations.
Temporary or permanent?
Saudi officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure. However, no official timeline has been provided for its review. The government plans to assess the impact of these changes before making further decisions.
Tips for travellers
Visitors from the affected nations should plan their trips accordingly and ensure compliance with the new regulations. Here are key points to keep in mind:
Apply Early: Travellers are advised to apply for single-entry visas well in advance.
Strict Adherence to Regulations: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all visitors to comply with the new visa rules to avoid travel disruptions.
Stay Updated: Travellers should regularly check the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for any updates on visa policies.