RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced a new visit visa policy, restricting travellers from countries including Pakistan to single-entry visas.
Saudi authorities have suspended the one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits, and now visitors from these countries can only get single-entry visas.
This change, effective February 1, 2025, aims to prevent unauthorized Hajj pilgrims. Some individuals were using long-term visit visas to bypass the official pilgrimage quota.
Who is affected?
Visitors from 14 countries must apply for a single-entry visa to visit Saudi Arabia. The visa is valid for 30 days and allows a maximum stay of 30 days per visit. The new regulations affect travellers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Travellers from Pakistan also need to submit applications and biometrics at the Etimad visa centres across the country.
The Saudi Arabia multiple-entry visa allows visitors from across the world to explore the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the opening of Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims, including citizens and residents. It urges applicants to submit their requests through the Nusuk app or the official e-portal.
The ministry also urged applicants to complete their health information, add accompanying pilgrims, and submit requests for exemption from the Mahram requirement if needed.
Also Read: Hajj 2025: Anticipated costs for pilgrims revealed
Once these steps are completed, applicants will be notified when Hajj package bookings become available.
The ministry also clarified that priority would be given to those who had not performed Hajj before.
