Saudi Arabia has introduced a new visa policy affecting visitors from Nigeria and 13 other countries, limiting them to single-entry visas.
Gatekeepers News reports that his change, effective as of February, aims to prevent unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages and enhance the safety of attendees at this significant religious event.
Travellers from nations including Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen will no longer be able to obtain the one-year multiple-entry visas previously available for tourism, business, or family visits. Under the new guidelines, individuals will receive single-entry visas valid for 30 days, with no option for extension.
The decision comes in response to significant misuse of multiple-entry visas, which allowed some travellers to remain in the country unlawfully or to participate in Hajj without proper authorisation.
With the Saudi government regulating Hajj attendance through a strict quota system for each country, the influx of unauthorised pilgrims has led to overcrowding concerns, which tragically resulted in over 1,200 pilgrim fatalities due to extreme heat and congestion in 2024.
While Saudi officials have noted that the suspension of multiple-entry visas is a temporary measure, no specific timeline has been provided for a potential review of this policy. Authorities are set to evaluate the impact of these new regulations and will make future decisions based on their findings.
Travellers from the affected countries are encouraged to apply for their single-entry visas well ahead of their intended travel dates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed the importance of adhering to the new visa regulations to avoid penalties or disruptions in travel.
This shift in Saudi Arabia’s visa policy primarily impacts travellers visiting for business or family reasons. As the situation evolves, travellers are advised to remain informed by checking the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updates.
