Deborah Akinyosoye
Saudi Arabia has introduced new visa regulations that will impact travelers from 14 countries, restricting them to single-entry visas valid for 30 days with no option for extension.
The changes apply to tourists, business travellers, and those visiting family members, while excluding applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Saudi authorities have cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a key reason for the policy shift, noting that some travelers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or participate in Hajj without proper authorization.
The Saudi government regulates Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country, and unauthorized pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding issues.
The situation became particularly severe in 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion, a crisis authorities believe was exacerbated by unregistered attendees.
Officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure but have not provided a specific timeline for its review.
The government plans to assess the impact of the new regulations before making further decisions.
Travelers from affected nations are advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their trips and to comply strictly with the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated the importance of adherence to these new guidelines and urged travellers to stay updated through official government channels.