Saudi Arabia has announced a significant change to its visa policy, restricting nationals from 14 countries to single-entry visas starting February 1, 2025. This move aims to address concerns surrounding unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.
Which countries are affected? The new regulation affects travelers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Nationals from these countries will no longer be eligible for the one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits. Saudi authorities clarified that multiple-entry visas had been misused, with some travelers entering the country on long-term visas, overstaying, or performing Hajj without proper authorization.
Why this change? Saudi Arabia tightly controls the Hajj pilgrimage, with a set quota for each country. The new visa policy follows growing concerns over overcrowding at the annual event. Many tourists from the affected nations were using long-term visas to bypass the pilgrimage limits, leading to a dangerous situation. The issue reached a critical point in 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims tragically lost their lives due to extreme heat and overcrowding, which authorities believe was partly fueled by unregistered pilgrims.
Impact of the policy: The new regulation will restrict travel to single-entry visas, with the aim of reducing the risks associated with unauthorized Hajj attendance and preventing illegal work. Saudi officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, though there is no set timeline for when it will be reviewed. The government will monitor the policy’s impact before considering any changes.
Travelers urged to comply: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged travelers to apply for single-entry visas well in advance and comply strictly with the new regulations to avoid any penalties or disruptions. The government is taking this action to ensure that only authorized pilgrims perform Hajj, aiming to safeguard both the pilgrims’ well-being and the integrity of the event.
Travelers from the affected countries should be aware of the new visa restrictions and follow the updated immigration laws to ensure smooth travel to Saudi Arabia.
