Saudi Arabia bans visa

In a significant policy shift, Saudi Arabia bans visa, has revised its visa regulations, impacting travelers from 14 countries, including India. Effective February 1, 2025, the Kingdom has suspended the issuance of one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits, replacing them with single-entry visas valid for 30 days. ​

Key Changes in Visa Policy

Single-Entry Visas Only:

Travelers from the affected countries can now only obtain single-entry visas. Each visa permits a stay of up to 30 days. ​

Exemptions:

Visas for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic purposes, and residency permits remain unaffected by this change. ​

Countries Affected

The new visa policy applies to nationals from the following countries:​

Algeria​

Bangladesh​

Egypt​

Ethiopia​

India​

Indonesia​

Iraq​

Jordan​

Morocco​

Nigeria​

Pakistan​

Sudan​

Tunisia​

Yemen​

Reasons Behind the Policy Change

Saudi officials have cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a primary reason for the policy shift. There have been instances where travelers entered the country on long-term visas but stayed illegally for work or performed Hajj without proper authorization. The unauthorized influx of pilgrims has led to overcrowding during the Hajj season, posing significant safety risks. Notably, in 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding. ​

Impact on Indian Travelers

India, being a major source of visitors to Saudi Arabia, is significantly affected by this change. In 2022, approximately 2.5 million Indian travelers visited the Kingdom for various purposes, including business, tourism, and religious activities. The new visa restrictions will particularly impact:​

Business Professionals:

Frequent travelers who need to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times within a short period will now have to apply for a new visa for each visit.​
The Financial Express

Families:

Individuals with family members in Saudi Arabia will face challenges as they will require separate visas for each visit.​
The Financial Express

Tourists:

Those who previously benefited from the flexibility of multiple-entry visas will now need to plan their trips more meticulously.​

Additional Measures

In addition to the visa policy changes, Saudi Arabia introduced stricter rules for Indian workers in January 2025. Indian nationals applying for a Saudi work visa must now complete a pre-verification of their professional and academic qualifications before approval. ​

Government’s Stance

While the government has described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, no timeline has been provided for a review. Officials plan to assess the impact of the new policy before considering any further changes. ​

Advice for Travelers

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises travelers to apply for single-entry visas well in advance and to comply with the updated regulations to avoid travel disruptions or penalties. Ensuring adherence to the new visa rules is crucial to prevent complications during travel. ​

Future Outlook

Despite the current restrictions, Saudi Arabia remains committed to expanding its tourism sector as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by 2030. However, the new visa rules could temporarily affect travel patterns to the Kingdom.​

In conclusion, while Saudi Arabia’s recent visa policy changes aim to address specific challenges, they have significant implications for travelers from the affected countries. It is essential for travelers to stay informed about these changes and plan their trips accordingly to ensure a smooth experience.

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