Saudi Arabia Restricts Multiple-Entry Visas for 14 Countries, Including India and Pakistan

Saudi Arabia Visa: Saudi Arabia has made it public that there are major changes in the visa policies for their country, which has profoundly affected citizens from 14 countries out of which India and Pakistan also form a part. Citizens from the aforementioned countries will now have restricted access since they can only be granted a single entry visa.

It is believed that people from the thirteen nations mentioned above used to unlawfully Hajj pray upon traveling to Saudi Arabia with a long term visit visa which is the reason this policy came in effect on Feb 1, 2025. These changes were implemented in order to stop people from these 14 nation from abusing their long term visit visa by doing Hajj pilgrimage without proper authorization.

Bid as the biggest challenge over the years, with large amounts of Hajj pilgrims showing no signs of restraint has created a dire situation where over 1200 of them perished last year due to the overbearing heat, and an utter lack of dignity and respect for fellow humans during these overcrowded events.

14 Countries banned with multiple entry visas 

The public information officer has stated that Saudi Arabia will no longer grant people from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen multi entry visas. Moreover, the one year multiple entry visa for tourism, business, or even family visit purposes have been placed under further legislation for an indefinite amount of time.

Per the updated rules for entering a foreign country for the first time, the countries listed above can only be issued single entry visas good for thirty days from the date issued. Officials mention that the new restrictions will not apply to Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas. 

Unsanctioned Hajj pilgrims

As explained by Saudi Arabia officials, multiple entry visas are frequently abused, particularly by citizens from countries that are now banned. They explained that some travelers take advantage of the long-term visas and overstay to work or partake in Hajj illegally. 

Saudi Arabia's regulation on Hajj pilgrimage is strict. Each country is assigned a specific quota to ensure there is no too many people during the pilgrimage. But, even with the heavy limitations, there has been a surge of overcrowding recently as tourists take advantage of long term visas which seeking to bypass these restrictions. 

Last year, the death of over 1200 pilgrims due to extreme heat and overcrowding raises concern on unregistered Hajj pilgrims and brings to question the enabling problems, leading Saudi authorities to deal with the vital issue that is believed to have caused a lot of the tragic events.

No specific timeline has been provided on if or when the matter with regards to multiple-entry visas will be reconsidered, however officials did suggest that the suspension was ‘temporary’. Authorities also stated that the effects of the new visa rules must be measured before any action takes place.