Saudi Arabia Imposes Stricter Visa Rules for Pakistani Travelers – Details Inside
Saudi Arabia Ends One-Year Multiple-Entry Visas for Pakistan & 13 Other Countries
In a major visa policy overhaul, Saudi Arabia has suspended one-year multiple-entry visas for Pakistan and 13 other nations, restricting travelers to single-entry visas only.
The new rule, effective from February 1, 2025, applies to tourism, business, and family visit visas.
Who Is Affected?
The countries impacted by the updated visa regulations include:
- Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Iraq, Ethiopia, Jordan, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Why the Sudden Change?
Authorities introduced this measure to prevent unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages. Some visitors were found misusing long-term visas to perform Hajj without registering under their country’s allocated pilgrimage quota.
With this update, Saudi Arabia seeks to regulate religious travel and ensure that only registered pilgrims can participate in the annual event.
New Visa Guidelines for Pakistani Applicants
Pakistani travelers planning a visit to Saudi Arabia under the new policy must now obtain:
- A single-entry visa valid for 30 days
- A maximum stay of 30 days per visit
- Biometric verification at Etimad visa centers across the country
The new rule aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance visa monitoring and compliance.
Hajj 2025 Registration Now Open for Saudi Residents
In parallel, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened Hajj 2025 registrations for domestic pilgrims, including citizens and residents.
Applicants are required to register via the Nusuk app or the official e-portal, with priority given to individuals who have not performed Hajj before.
Early registration is encouraged, and applicants must provide updated health records and requests for exemptions, including waivers for the Mahram requirement for female pilgrims.
As the new visa policy takes effect, travelers must plan accordingly to avoid disruptions in their travel schedules.
