In a major policy move, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has suspended the issuance of multiple-entry visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India. The new rule came into effect from February 1, 2025, and is aimed at regulating the influx of visitors, particularly during the Hajj season, to ensure the safety and organization of the annual pilgrimage.
The countries affected by this decision include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Iraq, Jordan, and Yemen. Citizens from these nations will no longer be eligible to receive multiple-entry visit visas. Instead, they will now be issued only single-entry visas, which are valid for 30 days.
According to reports, this decision was made to curb the rising instances of unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages. In previous years, there have been numerous cases where visitors on multiple-entry or tourist visas remained in the country illegally or attempted to perform Hajj without official permits. This unregulated participation has contributed to overcrowding during the pilgrimage, putting immense pressure on Saudi infrastructure and services. Tragically, during the 2024 Hajj season, over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives, largely due to extreme heat and overcrowding—a grim reminder of the importance of strict regulations.
The new visa restrictions do not apply to all categories. Exemptions have been made for those traveling on Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas, which means pilgrims with official Hajj permits and residents living in the Kingdom are unaffected by this decision.
Saudi authorities have emphasized that the policy is intended not to restrict general travel, but to enhance public safety and ensure better crowd management during peak religious seasons. They have also reminded travelers from the affected countries to apply for single-entry visas in advance and ensure full compliance with the visa conditions.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to modernize and regulate its visa and immigration systems under the Vision 2030 initiative, which includes promoting religious tourism while maintaining strict safety protocols. By streamlining the process and tightening control over unauthorized entries, Saudi Arabia aims to make the Hajj and Umrah experience safer, more organized, and spiritually fulfilling for all pilgrims.
As of now, authorities from the affected countries, including India, have not issued any formal response or advisory, but travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official Saudi embassy communications.
