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Saudi Arabia stops multiple-entry visa for 14 countries including Bangladesh

by DD Staff

February 07, 2025

KSA Visa

key takeaways

A significant modification to Saudi Arabia's visa regulations has been announced, prohibiting travellers from 14 nations from acquiring multiple-entry visas.

Visitors from these countries will only be able to get single-entry visas with a 30-day maximum stay starting of February 1, 2025.

The affected countries include:

Algeria
Bangladesh
Egypt
Ethiopia
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Jordan
Morocco
Nigeria
Pakistan
Sudan
Tunisia
Yemen.

The action, according to Saudi authorities, is intended to stop unapproved Hajj pilgrims who had previously entered the nation using long-term visitation permits, according to Daily Trust.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said:

"This decision is necessary to ensure that all pilgrims follow the proper Hajj and Umrah entry procedures. The single-entry visa will help regulate entry and prevent visa misuse."

Tourism, business, and family visas affected

The new restrictions suspend the one-year multiple-entry visa indefinitely for tourism, business, and family visits.

Instead, travellers from the 14 affected countries will be required to apply for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, as Leadership reported.

Hajj, Umrah, and Diplomatic Visas Remain Unaffected

Despite the restriction, the Saudi government clarified that the policy does not impact Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.

"Pilgrims who go through the official channels for Hajj and Umrah will not be affected by this policy," the official added.

The decision has sparked reactions from travellers and officials in the affected countries, with some expressing concerns over its potential impact on business and family visits.

However, Saudi authorities maintain that the policy is in the best interest of immigration control and religious pilgrimage management.