
Saudi Arabia has recently implemented new visa restrictions affecting travelers from 14 countries, including India, ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage. Effective February 1, 2025, the Kingdom has suspended the issuance of one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits for nationals of these countries. Instead, only single-entry visas valid for 30 days are being issued.
The 14 affected countries are:
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Yemen
This policy change aims to prevent unauthorized pilgrims from performing Hajj without official authorization. In previous years, some individuals entered Saudi Arabia on long-term visas and overstayed to participate in Hajj, leading to overcrowding and safety concerns. The tragic events of 2024, where over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding, highlighted the need for stricter controls.
By restricting visa types and enforcing stricter regulations, Saudi authorities seek to ensure that only registered and authorized pilgrims participate in Hajj, thereby enhancing safety and managing crowd sizes more effectively.
Travelers from the affected countries are advised to apply for single-entry visas well in advance and adhere strictly to the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.
By BHARAT GLOBAL TIME