Saudi Arabia limits multiple-entry visas for 14 countries

THE NEWS:
Saudi Arabia will restrict multiple-entry visas for nationals of 14 countries, limiting them to single-entry visas with a maximum 30‑day stay, effective 1 February 2025.

DETAILS:

– The 14 affected countries are Bangladesh, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen.
– Saudi Arabia revoked the previously offered one-year multiple-entry visas for nationals of these countries.
– Visitors from the listed nations must now apply for single-entry visas instead of the former multiple-entry option.

WHY IT MATTERS:
The shift to single‑entry, short‑stay visas reduces travel flexibility for visitors from the 14 affected nations, potentially lowering repeat tourism and business trips to Saudi Arabia.

FAQ

When will Saudi Arabia’s new visa restrictions for 14 countries take effect?
The new visa rules become effective on 1 February 2025, when Saudi Arabia will restrict multiple‑entry visas for nationals of the listed 14 countries. From that date, travelers from those nations will no longer be eligible for the previously available one‑year multiple‑entry visas.

Which countries are affected by Saudi Arabia’s revocation of one‑year multiple‑entry visas?
The affected countries are Bangladesh, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen, as specified by Saudi Arabia in its revised visa regulations. These nations will see their multiple‑entry visa option removed, requiring a different visa type for entry.

What type of visa can nationals of the affected countries now obtain, and how long can they stay?
Under the revised rules, nationals of the 14 countries can only apply for single‑entry visas, which are valid for a maximum stay of 30 days, replacing the previously offered one‑year multiple‑entry visas. The change limits both the duration of each visit and the ability to make multiple trips without obtaining a new visa.

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