Alhassan Bello, Kaduna
DAILY COURIER - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has imposed new visa restrictions on travelers from 14 countries, including Nigeria, limiting them to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days without the option for extension. The move affects tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members but does not apply to Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visa applicants.
The countries affected by the new policy are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Saudi authorities cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a key factor behind the new regulations. Officials noted that some visitors exploited long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or participate in Hajj without proper authorization.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is heavily regulated by the Saudi government, with a strict quota system per country to control attendance. Unauthorized pilgrims contribute to overcrowding, which has become a major concern for authorities.
The situation reached a crisis level in 2024, when more than 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion. Many of these deaths were attributed to unregistered pilgrims who had entered Saudi Arabia using visit visas, leading to an overburdening of facilities.
Saudi officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, but no specific timeline has been given for its review. The government plans to monitor the impact of the new rules before making further decisions.
Travelers from the affected countries are urged to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance and to adhere strictly to the new guidelines to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised travelers to stay informed through official government channels to ensure compliance with the latest visa regulations.
