Saudi Arabia has restricted Nigeria and 13 other countries to single-entry visas, valid for only 30 days. The new visa policy affects tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family, while excluding applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency purposes.
Other affected countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Explaining the rationale for the policy shift, Saudi authorities cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas. Officials noted that some travelers used long-term visas to remain in the country illegally or participate in the Hajj pilgrimage without proper authorization.
Saudi Arabia regulates Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country to manage crowd control and ensure pilgrims’ safety. Unauthorized pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding, particularly during the Hajj season.
The new visa restriction comes ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and follows safety concerns raised after the 2024 Hajj, during which over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion. Authorities believe that unregistered attendees played a significant role in the crisis.
While officials described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, no timeline has been provided for its review.
The Saudi government has urged travelers to comply with the new visa guidelines and emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all visitors.
