The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has revised its visa policy for travelers in 14 countries, including Pakistan, restricting multiple entry visas for business, tourism and family visits due to the Hajj annual period.
This change affects travelers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen.
The new Visa policy rules entered into force on February 1, 2025. Previously, visitors to these 14 countries could obtain a year -round visa, according to a statement published on Thursday.
Now they can only receive valid single entry visas for 30 days. This rule applies to tourists, business visitors and family visitors. Meanwhile, no change in Hajj, OMRA, diploma or residence visas has occurred.
The Saudi authorities have stressed that the revision guarantees better regulation of visitors. In addition, this decision also supports the wider KSA immigration control strategy. Mainly, the main concern is the unauthorized participation of the HAJJ.
Previously, many visitors entered Saudi Arabia using multiple input visas but remained illegally to perform the Hajj. As a result, this led to risk of overcrowding and security.
Another reason is illegal employment. Some travelers have entered Saudi Arabia in commercial or family visas but have engaged in unauthorized work. This practice violated visa regulations and has caused irregularities in the labor market.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia stressed that the decision will improve security and organization. In the future, they have urged travelers assigned to comply with the new rules to avoid penalties.
The authorities also communicated that these new visa policy rules align with the 2030 Vision objectives of Saudi Arabia. The kingdom aims to stimulate its tourism industry while retaining strict immigration controls.
The new visa policy rules have a significant impact on frequent travelers to Saudi Arabia. For example, professionals who visit the country several times a year must now request a visa each time.
In addition, parents’ families in Saudi Arabia are now also faced with more travel restrictions.
Travel agencies predict longer visa processing times due to the inevitable higher influx of applications. Therefore, frequent visitors must adjust their travel plans accordingly. In addition, experts recommend asking for visas well in advance to avoid last minute problems.
The hotel and aviation industries will also have the impact of the new visa policy rules.
