The change effective from February 1, 2025, is designed to prevent unauthorized participation in Hajj Saudi Arabia has updated its visit visa policy for 14 countries eliminating one year multiple entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits.
Authorities have stated that some individuals were exploiting long term visit visas to bypass the official pilgrimage quota system.
1-Revised Policy
Applications and biometric verification are required at Etimad visa centers located in Pakistan and other specified countries.
The Saudi government has been strengthening its control over the Hajj pilgrimage by implementing strict quota allocations for each country.
Previously, multiple entry visas allowed travelers to enter Saudi Arabia throughout the year, giving them the opportunity to explore both the Kingdom’s cultural and modern attractions.
2-Impacted Countries
The new regulations apply to travelers from the following countries: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of this policy change, the Saudi government has indefinitely suspended the one year multiple entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits from these nations.
3-Key Changes In Visa Policy
Under the updated regulations, travelers from the impacted countries can only apply for single-entry visas, valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days. However, Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas Saudi officials have stated that the previous multiple entry visas were being abused, with some travelers entering the country on long term visas and overstaying to work or perform Hajj without proper authorization.
4–Context And Reasoning
The Saudi government enforces strict control over Hajj attendance setting a specific pilgrimage quota for each country. In recent years, overcrowding has become a significant problem, worsened by tourists bypassing these quotas with long term visas. The situation reached a crisis point in 2024 when more than 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and overcrowding leading authorities to focus on unregistered pilgrims as a key factor in the disaster.
Given these challenges, the government aims for the new single entry visa policy to ensure that only authorized pilgrims can participate in Hajj helping to minimize the risks linked to unauthorized attendance.
5-Considerations For The Future
Officials have referred to the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, though no specific timeline for review has been outlined. The government plans to evaluate the effects of the new policy before taking any further actions.
6-Key Information For Travelers
Travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia are encouraged to apply for single-entry visas ahead of time. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed the importance of following the new visa regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions. Visitors from the affected countries must comply with Saudi Arabia’s stricter immigration rules to ensure a smooth journey.
7-Information From Saudi Ministry
In the meantime, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the opening of Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims including citizens and residents. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications via the Nusuk app or the official e-portal.
The ministry emphasized the importance of early registration advising applicants to complete their health information include details of accompanying pilgrims, and submit requests for exemption from the Muharram requirement if applicable.
After completing these steps, applicants will be notified when Hajj package bookings open. The ministry also stated that priority will be given to individuals who have not yet performed Hajj.
FAQS
1-Does Saudi Arabia have a visa policy?
Saudi Arabia has announced a significant change in its visa policy, limiting travelers from 14 countries to a single-entry visa.
2-Is a single-entry visa required to visit Saudi Arabia?
Travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia should apply for single-entry visas well in advance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged visitors to comply with the visa regulations.
3-Why Did Saudis ChangeTheirVisa Policy?
Saudi officials have explained that the policy revision is a response to the misuse of multiple-entry visa regulations. According to the government, some visitors entered the country on long-term visas but stayed illegally and were found working without proper authorization.