Just In: Saudi Arabia limits visas for travelers from Nigeria, 13 other countries 

By Anastasia John E.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia has implemented a new visa policy, effective this February, restricting visitors from Nigeria and 13 other nations to single-entry visas. This change aims to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages and enhance the safety of attendees at the annual religious event.
The affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Travelers from these nations will no longer be eligible for the one-year multiple-entry visa previously available for tourism, business, and family visits.
Under the new guidelines, travelers will receive a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, with no option for extension. This applies to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family, but excludes individuals applying for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
Saudi authorities cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a primary reason for the change. Many travelers were reportedly using these visas to overstay their welcome, work illegally, or participate in Hajj without proper authorization. The issue of unauthorized pilgrims has contributed to overcrowding, particularly during the 2024 Hajj, where over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and congestion. Authorities believe the presence of unregistered pilgrims exacerbated the tragedy.
While Saudi officials have termed the suspension of multiple-entry visas as temporary, no timeline has been provided for its review. Authorities will assess the impact of the new regulations before making further decisions.
Travelers from the affected countries are strongly advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their planned travel dates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed the importance of strict adherence to the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.
This policy change will significantly impact travelers from the 14 nations, especially those visiting for business or family reasons. While the suspension is described as temporary, travelers should plan their trips accordingly and remain informed of updates from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.