09
Feb
Feb
SAUDI ARABIA INTRODUCES NEW VISA REGULATIONS FOR 14 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING NIGERIA
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Nicolas Adekeye / 2 months
- 0
- 2 min read
Saudi Arabia has implemented new visa regulations for travelers from 14 countries, including Nigeria, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. The changes restrict travelers from these countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days, without the possibility of extension. According to Saudi authorities, the primary reason for the policy change is the misuse of multiple-entry visas. Some travelers had been using long-term visas to remain in the country illegally or to participate in Hajj without proper authorization. The government has emphasized the need to regulate Hajj attendance through a fixed quota system per country. The new regulations apply to tourists, business travelers, and individuals visiting family members, but exclude those applying for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas. Saudi officials described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, but did not provide a specific timeline for its review. Travelers from the affected countries are urged to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance and strictly comply with the new rules to avoid penalties or disruptions to their travel plans. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for adherence to the updated guidelines and encouraged travelers to stay informed through official government channels. The government plans to assess the impact of the new regulations before deciding on any further steps. The situation had reached a critical point in 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and congestion, worsened by unregistered attendees.