Saudi Arabia has introduced revised visa regulations for 14 countries, including Pakistan, replacing one-year multiple-entry visas with single-entry visas. This policy impacts tourism, business, and family visit visas.
The affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. The single-entry visa allows a 30-day stay, with applications processed at Etimad visa centers in Pakistan.
Read more: Increasing Visa Rejections for Pakistanis Spark Concerns
This change aims to prevent individuals from using long-term visit visas to perform Hajj illegally, bypassing the official pilgrimage quota. The updated visa rules took effect on February 1, 2025.
Saudi authorities are tightening Hajj controls, allocating specific quotas to each country to ensure fair distribution and compliance. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Kingdom’s heritage and modern infrastructure through other visa programs.
Simultaneously, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims. Citizens and residents are urged to apply through the Nusuk app or the ministry’s e-portal.
The ministry highlighted the importance of completing health details, adding accompanying pilgrims, and requesting exemptions, if applicable. Priority for Hajj packages will be given to those who haven’t performed Hajj before.
