Saudi Arabia has recently lifted the temporary ban on issuing visa (travel visa) for citizens of select countries. This discount applies to visas for business, tourism and family trips. However, strict restrictions related to entry and exit on citizens of many countries are still applicable.
Main updates and travel effects
🔹 Relaxation in issuing visa:
Saudi Arabia has removed the suspension from issuing new visit visas, but only single entry visa is available, whose maximum validity is 90 days.
🔹 Travel restrictions released:
Citizens from countries like Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen are still facing sanctions related to entry and exit.
These restrictions are also applicable to business, tourism and family visit visa holders.
🔹 🔹 invitation letter (letter of invitation):
The citizens of these countries are now being issued letters of invitation, but there is no mention of the validity period of the visa or the number of admissions. This decision depends entirely on the discretion of Saudi officials.
🔹 Last date of existing visa holders:
Citizens who are already present on the visit visa in Saudi Arabia are mandatory to leave the country by 13 April 2025. Those who have not done so can be imposed a fine or future entry ban.
🔹 Special instructions for Umrah passengers:
All Umrah pilgrims have been instructed to leave Saudi after the end of Umrah.
New visa service still suspended for some countries
Temporary restrictions on issuing new Visit visas for citizens of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen are still in force.
The ban is likely to continue until the end of the Hajj season (HAJJ 2025). However, some citizens who already have a valid visa can be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia – but it will depend entirely on the decision of the Saudi government.
Advice for passengers:
Passengers planning to travel to Saudi Arabia are advised to take updates through official channels such as Saudi ministry, visa portal or local embassy, as this policy can change at any time.
Saudi Arabia has recently removed the visit visa suspension for citizens of select countries, so that they can now apply for business, tourism and family visa again. However, this relief has come up with stringent entry and exit rules, especially applicable to citizens of 14 countries like Algeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria.
Temporary measures that affect existing visa holders:
🛑 Essential for Exit:
Currently, citizens with valid visit visas are mandatory to get out of Saudi Arabia by 13 April 2025. If not followed by the fixed deadline, future entry may face restrictions or fine.
📄 Determination of visa validity:
Saudi officers determine the duration of the visa, the number of admissions and the conditions at their discretion, making the situation uncertain for the passengers.
February 2025 update: Ban on multiple-entry visa
Under an additional step implemented in February 2025, one year multiple-entry visa service was also limited. This decision has been taken for the purpose of controlling the number of visitors in busy periods like Haj season.
Continuous monitoring and updates
Global immigration advisory company Fragomen has confirmed that it is constantly monitoring the situation and as soon as a new update comes out, she will share the information. The affected passengers are advised to keep in touch with the official website of the Saudi government, local visa agent or immigration advisors and follow the rules.
Travel recommendations and conclusions
Single-entry visas are now available again, but strict rules and deadlines are associated with them.
Passengers should be vigilant towards the fixed date and possible restrictions.
Ensure information about all guidelines and updates before applying for new visa.
