Saudi Arabia Suspends Multiple-Entry Visas for Indian Nationals, Now Only Single-Entry Allowed
Saudi Arabia Restricts Multiple-Entry Visas for 14 Countries to Prevent Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has announced a major change in its visa policy, limiting travelers from 14 countries to single-entry visas only. The move, which took effect on February 1, 2024, aims to prevent unauthorized Hajj pilgrims from entering the country on long-term visit visas. This year’s Hajj pilgrimage, scheduled from June 14 to June 19, is expected to attract an even larger number of pilgrims than previous years.
Who Is Affected by the New Visa Policy?
Citizens from the following 14 countries will no longer be eligible for one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, or family visits:
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
Key Changes in Saudi Arabia’s Visa Policy
- Only single-entry visas are now available for travelers from these 14 countries.
- The visa will be valid for a maximum of 30 days, meaning visitors must leave Saudi Arabia within that period.
Why Did Saudi Arabia Make This Change?
Saudi authorities implemented this policy to prevent misuse of multiple-entry visas by individuals attempting to perform Hajj without official registration. Each year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca for the sacred pilgrimage, making crowd control a significant challenge.
In recent years, some travelers have exploited long-term visas to participate in Hajj without proper authorization, bypassing official quotas set by Saudi Arabia. This issue became particularly critical in 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and overcrowding. Authorities believe that unauthorized Hajj participants contributed to the crisis, prompting stricter visa regulations.
Important Travel Guidelines for Visitors to Saudi Arabia
If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, be sure to apply for a single-entry visa well in advance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all travelers to comply with the new regulations to avoid fines or travel disruptions.
Tourists from affected countries should:
✅ Follow Saudi immigration rules and ensure they have the correct visa.
✅ Carry all necessary travel documents at all times.
✅ Stay updated on any further changes to Saudi Arabia’s visa policies.
As Saudi Arabia continues to regulate Hajj and manage its growing number of visitors, travelers must stay informed and adhere to the latest visa guidelines to ensure a smooth journey.