Saudi Arabia has updated its visit visa policy for 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Indonesia, by discontinuing one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits.
Under the revised rules, travelers from these countries will now be granted only single-entry visas.
Effective from February 1, 2025, the change aims to prevent unauthorized participation in the Hajj pilgrimage. Authorities noted that some visitors were misusing long-term visas to circumvent the official Hajj quota system.
The affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
According to the new regulations, visitors from these 14 nations must apply for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit. Biometric verification and visa applications must be processed at Etimad visa centers in Pakistan and other listed countries.
The Saudi government has been strengthening its oversight of the Hajj pilgrimage, strictly enforcing country-specific quota limits.
Previously, multiple-entry visas allowed visitors to explore Saudi Arabia year-round, experiencing its cultural and modern attractions.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents. Applicants can submit requests through the Nusuk app or the official e-portal.
The ministry has urged early registration, health information updates, and submission of details for accompanying pilgrims. It also encouraged eligible individuals to apply for exemptions from the Mahram (male guardian) requirement.
Once registration is complete, applicants will receive notifications when Hajj package bookings become available. Priority will be given to those who have not performed Hajj before, according to the ministry.
The revised visa policy represents a significant shift aimed at ensuring compliance with Hajj regulations while managing the growing number of visitors to the Kingdom.
