Saudi Arabia Restricts Visa Access for Travelers from Nigeria and 13 Other Countries

Saudi Arabia has implemented a new visa policy that limits visitors from Nigeria and 13 other countries to single-entry visas only. This major shift, which took effect in February, is reportedly aimed at addressing unauthorized Hajj participation and improving safety for religious pilgrims. The decision means that travelers from the affected nations will no longer have access to the one-year multiple-entry visa that was previously available for tourism, business, and family visits.

Affected Countries and New Visa Rules

According to TravelBiz, the suspension of multiple-entry visas affects travelers from the following 14 countries:

• Nigeria

• Algeria

• Bangladesh

• Egypt

• Ethiopia

• India

• Indonesia

• Iraq

• Jordan

• Morocco

• Pakistan

• Sudan

• Tunisia

• Yemen

Saudi authorities have replaced the multiple-entry visa with a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, with no option for extension. This new policy applies to visitors traveling for tourism, business, or family visits. However, it does not affect those applying for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.

Reasons Behind the Visa Restriction

The Saudi government has cited concerns over the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a key reason for the policy change. Officials believe that many travelers had been using their long-term visas to enter the country illegally or to participate in Hajj without proper authorization.

Saudi Arabia regulates Hajj attendance through a strict quota system for each country. Unauthorized pilgrims who bypass this system contribute to overcrowding, which has become a critical issue in recent years. During the 2024 Hajj season, over 1,200 pilgrims reportedly died due to extreme heat and congestion, a problem made worse by the presence of unregistered travelers. The new visa policy is part of the country’s broader effort to manage crowds more effectively and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Temporary Policy with No Set Review Date

While Saudi officials have stated that the suspension of multiple-entry visas is temporary, they have not provided a specific timeline for when the policy might be reassessed. Authorities plan to monitor the impact of these regulations and make further adjustments based on their findings. Until an official update is issued, travelers from the affected countries should assume that the single-entry visa requirement will remain in place.

Impact on Nigerian Travelers and Other Affected Nations

The new visa restriction is expected to have significant consequences for travelers from Nigeria and other impacted countries, particularly those who frequently visit Saudi Arabia for business or family purposes.

• Business Travelers: Many professionals who relied on the multiple-entry visa to attend meetings, sign contracts, or oversee projects in Saudi Arabia will now have to apply for a new visa each time they travel, potentially increasing costs and processing times.

• Family Visits: Individuals who have family members living in Saudi Arabia may find it more challenging to visit them under the new rules, as they will need to go through the visa application process for every trip.

• Religious Pilgrims: Although the change does not directly affect Hajj and Umrah visa applicants, it could impact those who previously used multiple-entry visas to visit Saudi Arabia for religious purposes outside of the formal pilgrimage periods.

Guidelines for Affected Travelers

In light of these changes, travelers from Nigeria and the other 13 affected countries are advised to take the following steps to avoid disruptions:

• Apply Early: Since processing times can vary, it is advisable to submit visa applications well in advance of planned travel dates.

• Follow Official Updates: Regularly check the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or consult the nearest Saudi embassy for the latest visa information.

• Ensure Compliance: Adhering strictly to the new visa rules will help travelers avoid penalties, delays, or even potential entry bans in the future.

Saudi Arabia’s Changing Visa Policies: A Pattern of Restrictions

This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has made significant changes to its visa policies. In 2018, under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Saudi government also suspended the dropbox visa renewal system for Nigerian travelers, citing security concerns and visa overstay issues.

Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Saudi Arabia temporarily expanded eligibility for the dropbox system, allowing individuals whose visas had expired within 48 months to renew them without an in-person interview. That policy, however, was later reversed.

These frequent shifts in visa regulations highlight Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to manage migration, security, and religious tourism more effectively. However, such changes often create uncertainty for travelers, businesses, and families who rely on predictable and flexible visa policies.

Final Thoughts: What This Means for the Future

The suspension of multiple-entry visas for travelers from Nigeria and 13 other countries is a significant development that will impact thousands of people who frequently visit Saudi Arabia. While the Saudi government has framed the policy as a temporary measure to control unauthorized Hajj participation and improve safety, there is no confirmed date for a review or reversal.

For now, travelers from the affected nations must adapt to the new rules, ensuring they apply for visas well in advance and stay informed about any future updates. Those planning trips for business or family visits may need to reconsider their travel plans or explore alternative options.

As Saudi Arabia continues to refine its visa policies, Nigerian travelers and others affected by the restrictions should remain vigilant and prepared for further changes in the future.