Saudi Arabia has introduced a new visa policy restricting travelers from 14 countries to single-entry visas. The decision, effective February 1, 2025, aims to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering through long-term visit visas.
The affected countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. The move suspends the 1-year multiple-entry visa indefinitely for tourism, business, and family visits.
Key Changes in the Visa Policy
Under the new rules, visitors from these 14 countries can only apply for single-entry visas. These visas will have a 30-day validity with a maximum stay of 30 days. The government has clarified that this policy does not affect Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
A ministry spokesperson stated that multiple-entry visas were being misused. Some travelers entered Saudi Arabia on long-term visas but stayed to work illegally or perform Hajj without proper authorization.
Crackdown on Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia enforces strict Hajj regulations to ensure the pilgrimage is organized and safe. Each year, the government assigns Hajj quotas to different countries and issues specific pilgrimage permits. However, many visitors have used long-term visas to bypass these rules.
In 2024, more than 1,200 pilgrims died during Hajj due to extreme heat and overcrowding. Authorities believe that unregistered pilgrims contributed to the crisis. The new visa restrictions aim to prevent such incidents by ensuring only approved pilgrims participate in Hajj.
Temporary Measure with No Review Timeline
Officials have described the visa suspension as a temporary measure but have not provided a specific timeline for review. The government will monitor the impact of the policy before making further decisions.
Travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia should apply for single-entry visas well in advance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged visitors to follow visa regulations strictly to avoid penalties.
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