Saudi Arabia has implemented a new visa restriction that significantly affects travelers from Nigeria and 13 other countries. The new policy, which took effect in February 2025, limits travelers from these nations to single-entry visas, eliminating the previous option of a one-year multiple-entry visa for business, tourism, or family visits. This move comes as part of the Saudi government’s efforts to regulate travel into the kingdom, particularly in response to the misuse of long-term visas and the challenges associated with unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages.
The decision to restrict visas is seen as a direct response to increasing concerns about the influx of unregistered pilgrims during the annual Hajj. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has maintained a strict quota system to control the number of pilgrims from each country, ensuring a well-managed and safe religious experience. However, authorities noted a growing trend of visitors exploiting multiple-entry visas to bypass the official Hajj registration process. This led to overcrowding and, in some cases, safety risks, with reports indicating that in 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congested conditions. Many of these casualties were linked to unauthorized pilgrims who entered the country outside the regulated system. In an attempt to curb such occurrences, the government has now suspended multiple-entry visas for travelers from affected nations, including Nigeria, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Under the new directive, travelers from these countries will now only be eligible for a single-entry visa that is valid for 30 days. Unlike previous policies, this visa will not be extendable, meaning that visitors must leave Saudi Arabia before their permitted stay expires. The restriction applies to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members, but excludes applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas. This adjustment has raised concerns among individuals who frequently travel for professional and personal reasons, as they will now need to apply for a fresh visa each time they intend to visit. The financial and logistical burden this places on travelers from affected nations is expected to cause disruptions, particularly for those who have business interests or family ties in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi government has justified the decision by emphasizing the need to maintain order in its immigration system and prevent the abuse of multiple-entry visas. Officials have highlighted that while the restriction is in place, it is being viewed as a temporary measure. However, no official timeline has been given regarding when or if the policy will be reviewed. The government has stated that it will continue to assess the impact of the changes and may consider future adjustments based on their effectiveness in controlling unauthorized travel.
For individuals affected by this policy, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised that they begin their visa applications well ahead of their intended travel dates. With the removal of multiple-entry options, applicants will now have to go through the full process for each visit, including documentation, fees, and approval wait times. This will likely impact business operations and personal travel arrangements, making it essential for travelers to plan accordingly.
The restriction has sparked reactions across affected countries, particularly among business communities and families who depend on frequent visits. Many have expressed concerns over the potential economic impact, as businesses that rely on regular travel between Saudi Arabia and these nations may now face increased costs and logistical challenges. Additionally, individuals with close relatives in the kingdom may find it harder to maintain personal connections due to the added visa barriers.
While Saudi Arabia has assured the public that the policy is not a permanent restriction, its immediate effects are already being felt by travelers. The decision underscores the kingdom’s continued efforts to strengthen immigration control and ensure that visas are used strictly for their intended purposes. Moving forward, affected travelers will need to remain informed about any further updates to Saudi visa policies and adjust their plans accordingly.
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