Saudi Arabia has implemented a new visa policy that restricts visitors from Nigeria and 13 other countries to single-entry visas. This change is aimed at regulating the influx of visitors and ensuring the safety of those attending the Hajj pilgrimage.The new policy, which took effect this February, is directed at curbing unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages. This move is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to ensure that all pilgrims comply with the regulations and guidelines set for the Hajj.
Travelers from the affected countries will no longer have access to the one-year multiple-entry visa for tourism, business, and family visits. This suspension is expected to impact travelers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.According to TravelBiz, Saudi Arabia has suspended the one-year multiple-entry visa for travelers from the affected countries. Instead, the country will issue single-entry visas to travelers from these nations, valid for 30 days with no option for extension.
The changes apply to tourists, business travelers, and individuals visiting family members, but exclude those applying for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas. This exemption is aimed at ensuring that genuine pilgrims and other eligible individuals are not affected by the new policy.
Saudi authorities explained that the misuse of multiple-entry visas had become a significant issue. Many travelers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or to participate in Hajj without proper authorization, leading to overcrowding and safety concerns.
With the Saudi government regulating Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country, unauthorized pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding. This overcrowding became a serious issue in 2024, resulting in the loss of lives due to extreme heat and overcrowding.
While Saudi officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as temporary, they have not provided a specific timeline for when the policy might be revisited. The authorities plan to assess the impact of the new regulations and make further decisions based on their findings.
Travelers from the affected nations are advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their planned travel dates. This will help ensure that they receive their visas on time and avoid any disruptions to their travel plans.
