The Saudi government has made a major revision to its visa policy, affecting Pakistani travelers and those from 13 other nations. The new regulations, which came into effect on February 1, 2025, suspend multiple-entry visas and restrict applicants to single-entry permits.
The change affects visitors seeking tourism, business, and family visit visas.
List of Countries Affected
The policy impacts citizens from:
- Pakistan
- India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen
These visitors will now have limited access to Saudi Arabia, requiring new visas for each trip.
Why the Policy Changed
Saudi Arabia’s decision to eliminate long-term multiple-entry visas is driven by concerns that some individuals were using them to perform Hajj illegally, bypassing their country’s official pilgrimage quota.
To tighten control over Hajj participation, Saudi authorities have opted for a stricter visa policy to ensure all pilgrims register through official channels.
New Visa Process for Pakistani Travelers
Under the revised regulations, travelers from Pakistan and other affected countries must now apply for a:
- Single-entry visa valid for 30 days
- Maximum stay of 30 days per visit
- Mandatory biometric verification at Etimad visa centers
This update marks a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to visitor entry.
Hajj 2025 Registration Open for Domestic Pilgrims
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially launched Hajj 2025 registration for citizens and residents of the Kingdom.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early via the Nusuk app or the official e-portal, as priority will be given to those who have not performed Hajj before.
The Ministry also advised pilgrims to update their health information, add accompanying individuals, and submit exemption requests where required.
With these new policies in place, travelers and pilgrims must carefully follow the new procedures to ensure a smooth visit to the Kingdom.
