Saudi Arabia has announced a major policy shift in its visa regulations, significantly impacting travellers from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Effective from February 1, 2025, the Saudi government has indefinitely suspended the issuance of one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits for these countries. The new regulation aims to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages and strengthen the country’s immigration control.
List of Affected Countries
The following 14 countries are affected by the new visa policy:
| S. No | Country |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Key Changes in Visa Policy
Under the revised visa rules, visitors from these 14 nations can now only apply for single-entry visas, valid for 30 days. The maximum stay for any visitor will also be restricted to 30 days. The suspension of multiple-entry visas has been described as an indefinite measure, with no specified timeline for reconsideration.
However, Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas will remain unaffected by this policy. The Saudi government has clarified that these new rules primarily target long-term visit visas, which have reportedly been misused by travellers who either overstay or attempt to perform Hajj without proper authorization.
Read : Pakistani Women Need Permission of Parents or Husbands to Perform Hajj in 2025
The move comes after Saudi authorities observed a rise in unauthorized Hajj pilgrims who were entering the country using long-term multiple-entry visas and staying beyond their permitted duration.
Read : More than 300 Egyptians Die from Heat During Hajj Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
The government’s aim is to ensure that only those with proper authorization and under the allocated pilgrimage quota are able to perform Hajj, preventing overcrowding and maintaining order during the religious event.
Rationale Behind the Policy Shift
Saudi Arabia enforces strict regulations on Hajj attendance by allocating a specific quota for each country to ensure a smooth and organized pilgrimage. However, the country has faced challenges in managing unauthorized pilgrims who enter Saudi Arabia on non-Hajj visas and attempt to participate in the religious pilgrimage illegally.
The issue of unauthorized Hajj attendance became particularly concerning in 2024, when extreme heat and overcrowding led to the deaths of more than 1,200 pilgrims.
Many of these fatalities were linked to unregistered pilgrims who had entered the country on tourism or business visas, bypassing official quotas and regulations. This tragic incident prompted the Saudi government to take immediate measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
By limiting visas to single-entry permits, Saudi authorities aim to prevent visitors from using long-term visas to stay in the country unlawfully or join the Hajj pilgrimage without proper authorization. This policy is expected to significantly reduce the number of unauthorized pilgrims and enhance the safety and management of the annual religious event.
Future Considerations and Impact on Travellers
The Saudi government has indicated that the suspension of multiple-entry visas is a temporary measure. However, there is no specific timeline for when the policy might be reviewed or revised. Officials will monitor the impact of the new visa rules on unauthorized pilgrim numbers and overall immigration control before making any further decisions.
For travellers from the affected countries, the new visa policy means they must now plan their trips more carefully, as they will no longer have the flexibility of multiple entries. Those intending to visit Saudi Arabia for business, tourism, or family purposes must apply for a single-entry visa each time they travel, adhering to the 30-day validity period.
Saudi authorities have urged visitors from these nations to ensure that they comply with the new visa regulations to avoid any travel disruptions or penalties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also advised applicants to submit their visa requests well in advance to prevent last-minute inconveniences.
While this policy change may present challenges for frequent travellers and businesses with ties to Saudi Arabia, the government believes it is a necessary step to maintain order and security, particularly during the Hajj season.
As the impact of the new visa regulations unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further adjustments will be made in the future to accommodate legitimate travellers while continuing to prevent visa misuse.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏