Saudi Arabia has introduced new visa regulations that will affect travelers from 14 countries. These changes restrict them to single-entry visas valid for 30 days, with no option for extension.
The new regulations apply to tourists, business travelers, and visitors to family members, but they do not affect applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas. The new restrictions target travelers 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 this policy shift. They noted that some travelers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or to participate in Hajj without proper authorization. Saudi Arabia 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 the presence of 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 any further decisions. T
ravelers from the affected nations are advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their trips and to strictly comply with the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized the importance of following these new guidelines and urged travelers to stay updated through official government channels.
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