Saudi Arabia Imposes Visa Restrictions on 14 Countries

Saudi Arabia has introduced new visa restrictions for citizens from 14 countries, including Nigeria, limiting them to single-entry visas that last up to 30 days.

This change applies to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members. However, it does not affect those applying for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.

Along with Nigeria, the countries impacted by this new policy are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Saudi officials explained that the decision was prompted by concerns over the misuse of multiple-entry visas. Some travelers had been using these visas to stay in the country longer than allowed or to attend the Hajj pilgrimage without the necessary permits. The Saudi government regulates Hajj attendance through a fixed quota for each country, and unauthorized pilgrims have been contributing to overcrowding, which can be dangerous.

While the suspension of multiple-entry visas is meant to be temporary, Saudi authorities have not provided a timeline for when the restrictions will be lifted or reviewed. This move comes ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, a significant event for Muslims around the world.

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In 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims tragically lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion, a situation that officials believe was made worse by unregistered pilgrims.

The Saudi government is committed to ensuring that the Hajj pilgrimage remains safe and organized, and the new visa restrictions are seen as a measure to maintain order and prevent overcrowding. These steps are part of the broader efforts to improve the safety and integrity of the pilgrimage experience.

For travelers from the affected countries, the new rules are likely to impact their plans to visit Saudi Arabia, whether for business or family visits. However, the Saudi government insists that the policy change is necessary for public safety and to protect the wellbeing of those attending the Hajj.