The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has revised its visa policy for travelers from 14 countries including Pakistan, restricting multiple-entry visas for business, tourism, and family visits due to the annual Hajj period.
This change affects travelers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
The new visa policy rules took effect on February 1, 2025. Previously, visitors from these 14 countries could obtain one-year multiple-entry visas, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
Now, they can only receive single-entry visas valid for 30 days. This rule applies to tourists, business visitors, and family visitors. Meanwhile, no changes to Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas have occurred.
Saudi authorities have emphasized that the revision ensures better regulation of visitors. In addition, the move also supports KSA's broader immigration control strategy. Primarily, the top concern is unauthorized Hajj participation.
Previously, many visitors entered Saudi Arabia using multiple-entry visas but stayed illegally to perform Hajj. As a result, this led to overcrowding and safety risks.
Another reason is illegal employment. Some travelers entered Saudi Arabia on business or family visas but engaged in unauthorized work. This practice violated visa regulations and caused labour market irregularities.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed that the decision will improve safety and organization. Moving forward, they urged affected travelers to comply with the new rules to avoid penalties.
Authorities have also communicated that these new visa policy rules align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. The kingdom aims to boost its tourism industry while maintaining strict immigration controls.
The new visa policy rules significantly impact frequent travelers to Saudi Arabia. For instance, business professionals who visit the country multiple times a year must now apply for a visa each time.
Additionally, families with relatives in Saudi Arabia now also face more travel restrictions.
Travel agencies predict longer visa processing times due to the inevitable higher influx of applications. Hence, frequent visitors must adjust their travel plans accordingly. Furthermore, experts recommend applying for visas well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
The hospitality and aviation industries will also experience the impact of the new visa policy rules.
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