Saudi Arabia has scrapped one-year multiple-entry visas for visitors from 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Indonesia. The new rules and regulations, which took effect on February 1, 2025, limit visitors from these countries to single-entry visas only.
The decision is mainly directed towards preventing unauthorized participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi’s authorities evaluated that some individuals were using long-term visit visas to bypass the official pilgrimage quota system, which allocates a specific number of Hajj slots to each country. The government aspires to guarantee that only those who have officially registered through the Hajj quota system of their country can avail the chance of participation.
Key changes in the visa policy
Under the revised rules:
- Visitors from the 14 affected countries can only apply for single-entry visas.
- The visa will be valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas remain unaffected.
Change in policy broadly impacts travelers from various countries including
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India,
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
As per the new regulations, visitors belonging to these 11 countries must take a single-entry visa, having validity for 30 days, and permits a maximum stay of 30 days per visit.
Read more: Government reopens Hajj applications to fill 5,000 vacant seats
Visa applications, along with the required biometric verification, must be completed at Etimad visa centers in Pakistan and other affected countries.
Previously, multiple-entry visas allowed travelers to visit Saudi Arabia throughout the year, not only for business and family visits but also to explore the Kingdom’s cultural and historical sites. However, with the revised policy, visitors will be strongly encouraged to make the necessary planning for their trips more carefully, as re-entry will require a fresh visa application each time.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened registration for Hajj 2025 for domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents. Interested applicants must need to submit their requests through the Nusuk app or the official e-portal. The ministry encouraged the potential pilgrims to register early, update their health details, and add any accompanying travelers. Moreover, women seeking exemptions from the Mahram (male guardian) requirement have been strongly encouraged to apply.
Once these steps are fully functional, applicants will receive notifications about Hajj package bookings. It is also claimed people who have not performed Hajj before will be their topmost priority. This rule is totally in line with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to make the pilgrimage accessible to as many first-time pilgrims as possible.
Saudia’s broader strategy is to improve religious tourism and putting law and order on track during the annual Hajj season, which captivates millions of devotees from around the globe.