Friday, February 7, 2025
Saudi Arabia restricts 14 countries. Multiple-entry Visas
Saudi Arabia suspends multiple-entry visas for 14 countries. With the new visa policy in effect from February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will only issue single-entry visas to citizens of 14 nations. The purpose of this change is to deal with the issue of undocumented Hajj pilgrims obtaining long-term visit visas. Trending: Domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are now entitled to 1 day off weekly
Saudi Arabia's new regulations target travelers from the following 14 countries:
1. Algeria
2. Bangladesh
3. Egypt
4. Ethiopia
5. India
6. Indonesia
7. Iraq
8. Jordan
9. Morocco
10. Nigeria
11. Pakistan
12. Sudan
13. Tunisia, and
14. Yemen. Read: Absher introduces 5 new services online
A yearlong multiple-entry visa for tourism, business, and family visits from these nations has been suspended indefinitely by the Saudi government as part of the policy move.
Major Policy Changes Regarding Visas:
Under the new regulations, visitors from the 14 impacted nations can only apply for 30-day single-entry visas, with a maximum stay of 30 days. But diplomatic, residence, Hajj, and Umrah visas will be unaffected.
Officials in Saudi Arabia have hinted that the old system of multiple-entry visas was abused by visitors who came on long-term visas and then overstayed during their stay to engage in illegal labor or perform the Hajj.
The Saudi government maintains strict limits on who can and cannot perform the Hajj, based on an established quota for each nation. See Also: GACA can now permit international charter flights to travel domestic destinations
Tourists obtaining long-term visas to avoid these restrictions have contributed to the worsening of overcrowding recently. Over 1,200 pilgrims died in 2024 as a result of overcrowding and severe heat; this prompted officials to address the issue of unregistered pilgrims as a component in the disaster.
Given these difficulties, the government is implementing a new single-entry visa regime in the hopes that it will reduce the risks connected with unapproved pilgrims doing Hajj.
Possible Next Steps:
Officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, but they have not provided a specific date for reconsideration. Before taking any additional steps, the government intends to find out how the new policy is performing.
Travelers Must Know Information:
Tourists who wish to enter Saudi Arabia should apply for a single-entry visa at least one month before their planned trip. Sticking to the new visa rules is crucial to avoid fines or delays when traveling, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For a trouble-free trip, tourists from the affected countries have to comply with Saudi Arabia's stricter immigration rules. Join Saudi Expatriates channel on WhatsApp for all information at one place
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| Saudi Arabia restricts 14 countries. Multiple-entry Visas |
