Who is Affected?

The new rule applies to visitors from the following countries:

1. Algeria
2. Bangladesh
3. Egypt
4. Ethiopia
5. India
6. Indonesia
7. Iraq
8. Jordan
9. Morocco
10. Nigeria
11. Pakistan
12. Sudan
13. Tunisia
14. Yemen

Saudi Arabia has indefinitely suspended the one-year multiple-entry visa for tourism, business, and family visits for travellers from these nations.

Key Visa Changes

Under the revised rules:

• Only single-entry visas will be issued to travellers from the affected countries.
• The visa will be valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
• Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas remain unaffected

Why the Change?

Saudi authorities have stated that multiple-entry visas were being misused. Some travellers entered the country on long-term visas but remained illegally for work or performed Hajj without proper authorization.

The Saudi government strictly controls Hajj, allocating a pilgrimage quota to each country. However, overcrowding has become a serious issue due to unauthorized pilgrims using long-term visit visas to bypass restrictions.

This issue became particularly alarming in 2024 when over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding. Authorities believe unregistered pilgrims significantly contributed to the crisis, necessitating tighter visa regulations.

By restricting travel to single-entry visas, the government aims to ensure that only authorized pilgrims perform Hajj, reducing risks associated with unregulated attendance.

Temporary or Permanent?

Saudi officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as temporary, but no timeline has been provided for its review. The government will assess the policy’s impact before deciding on further actions.

What Travellers Need to Know

Travelers from the affected countries planning to visit Saudi Arabia should take note of these changes and plan their trips accordingly. Here’s what you need to know:

• Apply Early: Apply for your single-entry visa well in advance of your intended travel dates.
• Strict Adherence to Regulations: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all visitors to strictly adhere to the new visa regulations to avoid any penalties or travel disruptions.  
• Compliance is Key: Travelers from the impacted nations must ensure they comply with Saudi Arabia’s stricter immigration laws to prevent issues during their travel and stay.  

For the latest visa updates, travellers should check the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before planning their trip.

Final Thoughts

This policy change significantly impacts visitors from 14 nations, particularly those travelling for business or family visits. While the government states that the measure is temporary, travellers should prepare for long-term restrictions and plan their trips accordingly.