Saudi Arabia announced a major visa policy overhaul, limiting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas for tourism, business and family visits starting February 1.
The visa policy will suspend 1-year multiple-entry visas for nationals of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Authorities cited the need to combat illegal Haj pilgrimages as the driving force behind the change, islamicinformation.com website reported.
Historically, some visitors on long-term visas have overstayed to work illegally or perform Haj outside official channels, which is restricted to government-approved pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia issues quotas for Haj pilgrims annually, requiring specific permits for the pilgrimage. However, the kingdom has long grappled with individuals entering on non-Haj visas and travelling to Mecca during the pilgrimage season.
Authorities confirmed the rules are temporary but did not specify a review timeline. Travellers are advised to monitor official channels (visa.mofa.gov.sa) for updates, apply early for single-entry visas, and ensure strict adherence to visa conditions.
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