Saudi Arabia has introduced significant changes to its visit visa policy, impacting travelers from 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Indonesia. The new regulations, which took effect on February 1, 2025, replace the previous one-year multiple-entry visas with single-entry visas valid for 30 days. This decision is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to tighten controls over unauthorized Hajj participation and ensure strict compliance with its official pilgrimage quota system.
Countries Affected by the New Visa Policy
The revised visa rules apply to visitors from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Under the new regulations, travelers from these nations can no longer obtain multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, or family visits. Instead, they will need to apply for a single-entry visa each time they wish to visit Saudi Arabia. The change will primarily affect frequent travelers, business professionals, and those visiting family members in the Kingdom.
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New Visa Application Process and Requirements
To obtain a visit visa under the revised system, travelers from the 14 affected countries must submit their applications at designated Etimad visa centers. Additionally, biometric verification has been made mandatory as part of the application process. The single-entry visa now allows a maximum stay of 30 days per visit, after which visitors must exit the country and apply for a new visa if they wish to return. This is a significant shift from the previous system, which permitted multiple visits within a year under a single visa.
Crackdown on Unauthorized Hajj Participation
Saudi authorities have stated that the primary reason behind this policy change is to prevent individuals from using long-term visit visas to bypass official Hajj regulations. The Kingdom allocates a fixed number of Hajj slots to each country, ensuring a structured and fair pilgrimage process. However, some travelers were misusing multiple-entry visas to perform Hajj without going through the official quota system. By restricting visit visas to single entry, the Saudi government aims to close this loophole and maintain better oversight of the pilgrimage process.
Impact on Travelers and Businesses
The new visa restrictions will impact a wide range of travelers. Tourists who previously enjoyed the flexibility of multiple-entry visas will now have to apply for a new visa for every visit. Business professionals who frequently travel to Saudi Arabia for meetings and trade will face increased administrative procedures. Families who relied on multiple-entry visas to visit their relatives in the Kingdom will also need to adjust to the new system. While the policy does not prevent travel, it adds an extra layer of formalities for those who need to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times a year.
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Alongside the visa policy revision, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the opening of Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents. Applications must be submitted through the Nusuk app or the official e-portal. The ministry has emphasized the importance of early registration, urging applicants to complete their health information, add accompanying pilgrims, and request exemptions from the Mahram requirement if applicable. Priority will be given to individuals who have not performed Hajj before, ensuring that more first-time pilgrims get the opportunity to undertake the religious journey.