In a significant move, Saudi Arabia has announced a change in its visa policy, impacting visitors from 14 countries, including Pakistan. This new rule is aimed at tightening regulations around long-term visit visas and ensuring the pilgrimage process for Hajj is managed more efficiently. Let’s explore the details of this change and what it means for travelers.
Saudi Arabia has decided to stop issuing one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits for citizens of 14 countries, including Pakistan. Instead of the long-term multiple-entry visas, visitors from these countries can now only apply for a single-entry visa. This new rule was officially enforced starting February 1, 2025.
The countries affected by this new visa policy are: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Algeria, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. If you’re from one of these nations and are planning to visit Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to understand the new process and what it means for your travel plans.
Why Did Saudi Arabia Make These Changes?
The main reason behind this change is to prevent the misuse of long-term visas for performing Hajj without following the official pilgrimage procedures. In the past, some people from these countries were using multiple-entry visas to stay in Saudi Arabia and perform Hajj illegally. To curb this issue and ensure a fair system for the Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi government has decided to take stricter measures by removing the option of multiple-entry visas.
The Saudi authorities want to ensure that everyone who wishes to perform Hajj does so through the proper channels. This change will help better manage the Hajj quota system, making sure that there is fair access to the pilgrimage for all Muslims who wish to undertake this sacred journey.
What Are the New Visa Rules for Visitors?
If you are from one of the affected countries, you should know a few important things about the new visa process. Firstly, visitors can only apply for a single-entry visa, which will be valid for 30 days. This means that you can stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 30 days per visit. It’s important to note that you will need to apply through Etimad visa centers in your home country, where you’ll also be required to submit your biometrics as part of the application process.
How Does This Affect Hajj Pilgrims?
Saudi Arabia has a strict system in place for managing Hajj pilgrimages, with each country receiving a specific number of slots for its citizens to perform the pilgrimage. The government’s decision to stop issuing multiple-entry visas for these 14 countries is directly linked to controlling the Hajj process and stopping unauthorized pilgrims from entering the country for the wrong reasons.
By removing long-term visas, Saudi Arabia hopes to ensure that only those who are registered properly for Hajj can perform the pilgrimage. This is part of the country’s commitment to managing the Hajj experience more effectively and fairly.
Read Also: Government Announces Big Discount on Hajj Packages!
