Saudi Arabia banned multiple-entry visas for 14 countries

Saudi Arabia has revised its visa policies for travelers from 14 countries, including Pakistan, banning multiple-entry visas for business, tourism and family visits due to the annual Hajj period.

The new visa policy rules came into effect from February 1, 2025. Previously, visitors from these 14 countries could obtain a one-year multiple-entry visa. Now, they can only obtain a single-entry visa for 30 days. This rule applies to tourists, business visitors, and family visitors.

This change affects travelers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has announced a new visit visa policy for 14 countries

Meanwhile, there have been no changes to Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residential visas. Hajj travelers should register early, update their health information, and add the names of accompanying pilgrims.

Saudi authorities have cited several reasons behind this decision. Primarily, the top concern is unauthorized participation in the Hajj. Previously, many pilgrims entered Saudi Arabia on multiple-entry visas but stayed illegally to perform Hajj. As a result, this created overcrowding and security risks.

The second reason was illegal employment. Some travelers entered Saudi Arabia on business or family visas but engaged in unauthorized work. Naturally, this practice violated visa regulations and caused labor market irregularities.