Saudi Arabia has announced a major change in its visa policy, impacting travelers from 14 countries, including India. The Kingdom has indefinitely suspended multiple-entry visas, with the new rules taking effect from February 1, 2025. This decision aims to control unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages and manage crowds in Mecca.
What’s Changing?
Travelers from these 14 affected countries will now only be eligible for a single-entry visa instead of a multiple-entry visa. This move is meant to stop people from entering Saudi Arabia on long-term visas and performing Hajj without official permits, which has contributed to overcrowding in the holy city.
Many visitors were misusing their multiple-entry visas, staying in Saudi Arabia beyond the allowed period to perform Hajj illegally. This created logistical challenges for Saudi authorities, prompting them to tighten visa regulations.
Difference Between Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visas
- Single-entry visa – Allows entry into Saudi Arabia only once before it expires.
- Multiple-entry visa – Permits travelers to enter and exit Saudi Arabia multiple times over a long period.
Which Countries Are Affected?
The 14 countries impacted by this visa suspension are:
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
These nations send the highest number of pilgrims to Mecca and Medina for Hajj and Umrah each year.
Key Changes in Saudi Visa Policy
- Tourists from these 14 countries can now only apply for a single-entry visa.
- The visa will be valid for 30 days.
- Visitors can stay in Saudi Arabia for a maximum of 30 days.
- Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residence visas remain unaffected.
Why Is Saudi Arabia Making This Change?
Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Mecca for Hajj, and managing the crowd is a major challenge. The Saudi government allocates a Hajj quota for each country, but many people perform Hajj without official permits, leading to severe overcrowding.
In 2024, over 1,200 unauthorized pilgrims died due to extreme heat during Hajj. Many of them couldn’t access the official services provided by the Saudi government. Following this tragedy, Saudi Arabia faced criticism for its crowd management and is now taking stricter measures to prevent a similar situation in 2025.
Is This a Permanent Change?
Saudi officials have called this suspension of multiple-entry visas temporary, but they have not announced when it will be lifted.
With these new rules, the Kingdom hopes to reduce unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages, manage crowds more effectively, and ensure the safety of all pilgrims.
