Saudi Arabia has recently made significant changes to its visa policy, affecting 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Indonesia. The alteration, effective February 1, 2025, eliminates one-year multiple-entry visas for various purposes like tourism, business, and family visits, replacing them with single-entry visas.
The primary objective of this policy revision is to address the issue of unauthorized participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It has come to the attention of authorities that some individuals have been exploiting long-term visit visas to bypass the official pilgrimage quota system. As a result, Saudi Arabia has decided to restrict visitors from the aforementioned countries to single-entry visas only.
The impacted nations consist of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Under the new guidelines, individuals from these countries must apply for a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit. The application process, including biometric verification, must be completed at designated Etimad visa centers across Pakistan and other specified locations.
Previously, travelers holding multiple-entry visas could enter Saudi Arabia at any time of the year, allowing them to explore the country’s diverse cultural and modern attractions. However, the recent changes aim to enhance control over the Hajj pilgrimage by enforcing strict quota allocations for each participating country.
Registration for Hajj 2025 and New Requirements
In addition to the visa policy adjustments, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has initiated the registration process for Hajj 2025, targeting domestic pilgrims such as Saudi citizens and residents. Prospective pilgrims are required to submit their requests through the Nusuk app or the official e-portal.
To streamline the registration process, the ministry advises applicants to register early, update their health information, and include any accompanying pilgrims. Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to seek exemptions from the Mahram (male guardian) requirement, where applicable. Upon completing these steps, applicants will receive notifications regarding the opening of Hajj package bookings, with priority given to first-time Hajj performers.
This new visa policy signifies a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to managing the Hajj pilgrimage and visitor influx. By aligning visa regulations with the pilgrimage requirements, the government aims to ensure compliance while effectively handling the flow of visitors to the Kingdom.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s revised visa policy for 14 countries, including Pakistan, highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. These changes underscore the importance of adhering to official guidelines and regulations to facilitate a smooth and organized pilgrimage experience for all participants.
