Saudi Arabia imposes new visa limits on Pakistanis, 13 other nationalities

Saudi Arabia Enforces Stricter Visa Rules for 14 Nations to Control Hajj Season Travel

Riyadh, April 2025: Saudi Arabia has updated its visa regulations for nationals of 14 nations, including Pakistan, with the goal of enhancing immigration management and facilitating the Hajj trip. With effect from February 1, 2025, the new regulations place more stringent restrictions on multiple-entry visas throughout the Hajj season.

The revised policy will no longer allow visitors from these nations to get one-year multiple-entry visas for family visits, business trips, or tourism. As an alternative, they will only be given 30-day single-entry visas. This modification impacts all non-Hajj travelers, including tourists, business travelers, and family members. Diplomatic, residence, Hajj, and Umrah visa categories are unaffected, though.

The 14 affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the policy shift is designed to prevent the misuse of visit visas during the Hajj period. Many people who came to the Kingdom on tourist or business visas in the past stayed too long to perform the Hajj without the proper paperwork. This resulted in significant crowding, safety issues, and logistical difficulties. The domestic labor market was also impacted by the growing number of complaints of visa holders working illegally.

The authorities are advising potential pilgrims and tourists to register as soon as possible, present correct health and travel information, and identify any accompanying persons in order to guarantee compliance and safety. There will still be special exemptions for some groups, like those involving mahrams (male guardians).

The measures are in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a long-term plan to modernize immigration laws and boost the country’s tourism sector as part of a broader economic transformation.

Frequent travelers to Saudi Arabia, including business representatives and families with relatives, will be significantly affected by the change. Due to the increasing demand and limited validity, some travel agencies have already begun to warn customers about the possibility of extended visa processing times.

Travel industries such as aviation and hospitality are also expected to feel the ripple effects. Airlines may experience irregular passenger numbers, and hotel bookings may decline as travelers reduce short-term visits.

The Saudi government has underlined that these changes are necessary to maintain the sanctity and order of the Hajj season, effectively manage visitor flow, and ensure security. Depending on how well these measures work, further changes may be made in the future.

Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic and residency visas are not included in this update, and the previous one-year multiple-entry visas during the Hajj period have been replaced with single-entry 30-day visas. Visitors from the 14 countries listed are advised to read the new regulations and adjust their travel plans accordingly.