Recently, Saudi Arabia has made changes to its visa regulations for 14 countries, including India. As of February 1, 2025, travelers coming from the delineated nations will be issued single-entry visas valid for 30 days only, replacing the earlier one-year multiple-entry visas. According to media sources, the new rule has banned applications for Umrah visas, business visit visas, and family visit visas.

Complete list of nations where Saudi Arabia has banned visas

According to reports, Saudi Arabia would ban visas to 13 countries. The identity of one other nation is unclear. The 13 nations that have been recognized are:

  • India​

  • Pakistan​

  • Bangladesh​

  • Egypt​

  • Indonesia​

  • Iraq​

  • Jordan​

  • Algeria​

  • Ethiopia​

  • Nigeria​

  • Sudan

  • Tunisia​

  • Yemen​

  • Morocco


Why were visas prohibited in Saudi Arabia?

Officials from Saudi Arabia state that the previous multiple-entry visas were frequently misused. Some visitors overstayed beyond their allowed time or did the Hajj pilgrimage without proper permission. Last year, more than 1,000 unregistered pilgrims died of extreme heat and overcrowding. It is hoped that the new visa regulations will prevent the recurrence of such tragedies by allowing only registered pilgrims to attend Hajj.

What Should Travelers Do?

If you plan a trip from an affected country to Saudi Arabia, please make sure you apply for a single-entry visa ahead of time. Keeping abreast of changing conditions will avoid problems during your trip. 

This change indicates the Saudi government's efforts to control the number of visitors on pilgrimage while ensuring the safety of all who visit.