Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of new short-term visa issuance for citizens of Nigeria and 13 other countries.
The decision, reported by Gulf News, affects several visa categories such as business visit visas (single and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas.
The moratorium will take effect on April 13, 2025, and applies to nationals of India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.
According to the report, travelers from these countries who currently hold valid visas will still be permitted to enter the Kingdom until April 13. However, all such visitors must exit Saudi Arabia no later than April 29.
Saudi authorities cited the need for improved coordination and crowd management in preparation for the upcoming Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
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The temporary suspension is part of broader efforts to ensure safety and logistical efficiency during the high-traffic religious period.
This development follows an earlier move in February 2025, when Saudi Arabia suspended its one-year multiple-entry visa option and limited travelers from these same countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days.
In addition to the visa restrictions, the Kingdom has released updated guidelines for Umrah travel. The issuance of Umrah visas will now begin annually on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and end on the 1st of Shawwal, aligning with the Islamic calendar.
Saudi officials stressed the importance of obtaining the correct visa type for religious travel and warned of strict legal consequences for individuals who violate these regulations.