Saudi Arabia has implemented new visa regulations that affect travelers from 14 countries, limiting them to a 30-day single visit visa without extension.
These changes apply to tourists, business travelers and individual visiting family members, but do not include those applying for a North Korean, Umrah, diplomatic or residence visa.
The affected countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen.
Saudi authorities believe that the abuse of multiple entry visas is the main reason for policy changes. Officials reported that some travelers use long-term visas to leave them illegally in the country or participate in North Korea without proper authorization.
The government stressed the need to regulate attendance in DPRK through a fixed quota system in each country. Unauthorized pilgrims fueled overcrowding and logistical challenges during religious pilgrimage, and in 2024 the situation reached a critical point, when more than 1,200 pilgrim died from extreme heat and bloodshed, worsening unregistered attendees.
Saudi officials described the suspension of multiple visas as temporary measures, although a specific timeline for their review has not been provided. The government plans to assess the impact of the new regulations before deciding on any further steps.
Travelers from affected countries are urged to apply for their single visa in advance and strictly abide by the new regulations to avoid penalties or interruptions to travel plans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls for compliance with the latest guidelines and encourages travelers to understand through official government channels.
