Saudi Arabia announced temporary suspension of the issuance of new short-term visas, including business visit visas (single and multiple visits), electronic tourist visas, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria.
The suspension will come into effect on April 13, 2025 and applies to India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh and Libya, as reported by Gulf News.
Travelers currently holding valid visas in these countries may still enter the kingdom until April 13 and must withdraw by April 29, the report said.
Travelers currently holding valid visas in these countries may still enter the kingdom until April 13 and must withdraw by April 29, the report said.
Saudi authorities quoted by Gulf News said the new restrictions are designed to better coordinate arrivals and ensure security and organization of the upcoming pilgrimage.
Indefinitely, the over-entry visa has been temporarily suspended for one year in Saudi Arabia and restricted travel from these 14 countries to a single entry visa, which is valid for 30 days on February 2025.
Saudi Arabia has also released the latest guidance on Umrah travel logistics. The issuance of Umrah visa will begin annually in Dhu al Hijjah and begin first in Shawwal.
“The Kingdom repeatedly stresses the importance of obtaining appropriate visa types of religious travel and warns those who do not comply with the legal consequences.”
