Saudi Arabia has revised its visa regulations for travelers from 14 countries—including Pakistan—by suspending the issuance of multiple-entry visas for business, tourism, and family visits during the annual Hajj season.
The updated visa policy reportedly took effect on February 1, 2025, according to a press release. Under the new rules, travelers from the affected countries can now only obtain single-entry visas valid for 30 days, replacing the previously available one-year multiple-entry option.
This restriction applies to tourist, business, and family visit visas, while Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas remain unaffected.
The countries impacted by this change include:
Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Saudi authorities cited several factors driving the revision:
Unauthorized Hajj Participation: Many visitors previously used multiple-entry visas to stay illegally and perform Hajj without proper authorization, leading to overcrowding and safety hazards.
Illegal Employment: Some travelers on family or business visas were found engaging in unauthorized work, violating visa terms, and impacting the local labor market.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the changes are part of broader efforts to regulate visitor inflows, ensure safety during Hajj, and uphold immigration laws. These steps align with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to expand tourism while maintaining strict regulatory oversight.
Frequent business travelers must now apply for a new visa for each trip.
Families with relatives in Saudi Arabia will face additional planning and application requirements.
Travel agencies expect longer processing times due to increased application volumes.
Airlines and hotels may experience fluctuating demand as travelers adjust their plans.
Authorities have urged all travelers from the affected countries to:
Plan visits well in advance.
Adhere to the updated guidelines to avoid penalties.
Apply for mahram (male guardian) exemptions if eligible.
Pilgrims are advised to register early, update their health information, and list accompanying individuals. Notifications for Hajj bookings will be issued once registration opens, with priority given to first-time pilgrims.
Saudi officials reiterated their commitment to improving the safety and organization of the pilgrimage experience through these measures.
Get the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.