Saudi Arabia Restricts Multiple-Entry Visas for 14 Countries

Saudi Arabia recently announced changes in its Visa policy, which applies to 14 countries and will become effective in February 2025. This move is significant because it aims to avoid unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims and manage overcrowding. Saudi Arabia has introduced changes to their Visa policy due to the circumstances in 2024, where 1200 pilgrims died because of overcrowding and extreme heat; however, the authorities revealed that the occupancy of several unregistered pilgrims consequently contributed to the tragedy, thus preventing such risks and ensure only registered pilgrims participating in the Hajj Saudi Arabia has introduced the policy changes.

Who is Affected by Saudi Arabia's Change in Visa Policy?

Saudi Arabia has restricted multiple entry Visas to prevent overcrowding in Hajj significantly; the policy has new rules and regulations affecting pilgrims from 14 countries, including Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morroco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. The country officials have endlessly declared null and void the one-year multiple entry visas for countries, whether travelers flying for tourism, business, or family visits. Authorities declare that the unauthorized or unregistered pilgrims contribute to overcrowding, making crowd management and safety more daunting.

Key changes in the Saudi Arabia Visa policy for 14 countries:

As per Saudi Arabia's revised rules, Pilgrims from 14 countries are no longer eligible for multiple entries.

• Travelers/ Pilgrims from the 14 countries can consider applying for the Single Entry Visas.

• The Saudi Arabia Single Entry Visa is valid for 30 days, which allows a maximum stay of 30 days.
• Therefore, Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency Visas remain unaffected. 

Why did the Saudi Arabian Government Enforce the Decision?

Saudi Arabia officials reveal that the multiple-entry Visa is being misused. Several visitors enter the country on long-term Visas and work illegally, as well as perform the Hajj without proper registrations. Significantly, to control Hajj overcrowding and ensure safety, the authorities have introduced new visa regulations for 14 countries. 

Consequently, the problem became more serious in 2024, when nearly 1200 pilgrims died because of extreme heat and overcrowding. The government suspects unregistered Pilgrims contributed to the Crisis and underscores the need for strict Visa rules, especially during the Hajj. Thus, the government has restricted multiple-entry Visas for 14 countries to ensure that only registered pilgrims perform the Hajj, allowing visitors via a single-entry visa, which leads to less jeopardy with unapproved registration.

What Pilgrims and Visitors Must know?

Pilgrims/ Visitors planning to perform the Hajj in 2025 are advised to apply for single-entry Visas well in advance. However, travelers flying from the impacted countries should act in accordance with Saudi Arabia's strict rules and regulations to avoid hassle while traveling to perform the Hajj. 

Saudi Arabian government officials disclosed that suspending multiple-entry Visas is a temporary measure. However, there is no timeline for evaluating the decision, as the officials plan to assess the impact of the new Policy before considering further action. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged travelers to apply for Single-entry visas in advance and ensure that they follow the regulations to prevent penalties or travel disruptions. Officials aim to regulate Pilgrimage activities.