Visa Ban Shockwave: Saudi Arabia Restricts Travel Ahead of Hajj 2025 for 14 Countries

Saudi Arabia Restricts Travel- ​In a significant policy shift, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of multiple-entry visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, effective February 1, 2025. This decision aims to prevent the misuse of long-term visit visas for unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages, thereby ensuring a safer and more organized Hajj experience.​

Affected Countries: The nations impacted by this suspension are:​

• Algeria

• Bangladesh​

• Egypt​

• Ethiopia​

• India​

• Indonesia​

• Iraq​

• Jordan​

• Morocco​

• Nigeria​

• Pakistan​

• Sudan​

• Tunisia​

• Yemen​

Key Changes in Visa Policy:

• Single-Entry Visas Only: Travelers from these countries can now obtain only single-entry visas, valid for a maximum stay of 30 days.

• Exemptions: Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas are not affected by this change.​

Saudi authorities have noted that the misuse of multiple-entry visas has led to unauthorized participation in the Hajj pilgrimage, contributing to overcrowding and safety concerns. In 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding, with unregistered pilgrims significantly contributing to the crisis.

By implementing these visa restrictions, the Saudi government aims to ensure that only authorized pilgrims participate in Hajj, thereby enhancing the overall safety and experience of the pilgrimage. Officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, though no specific timeline has been provided for its review. ​

Travelers planning to visit Saudi Arabia from the affected countries should take note of these changes and apply for the appropriate visas to avoid any inconvenience.