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Saudi Arabia announced temporary suspension of new short-term visas to citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria.
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The moratorium applies to Indian nationals, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh and Libya.
Saudi Arabia has announced temporary suspension of issuance of new short-term visas, including business visit visas, e-tourism visas and family visit visas, including citizens of 14 countries including Nigeria. The suspension will take effect on April 13, 2025.
According to the report by Gulf News, the affected countries are India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, Bangladesh and Libya. Travelers from these countries currently holding valid visas can still not enter the kingdom until April 13 and must withdraw no later than April 29.
Reasons for suspension
Saudi authorities said the new restrictions are designed to better coordinate arrivals and ensure the security and organization of the upcoming pilgrimage. The report added: “The Kingdom repeatedly stressed the importance of obtaining appropriate visa types of religious travel and warned those who did not comply with the legal consequences.”
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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 guide on Umrah travel logistics and will issue Umrah visas, which will start each year from the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and end before the 1st of Shawwal.
