SAUDI ARABIA: One-year visa banned for Nigerians, 13 other countries.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new visa policy restricting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas. The decision, effective February 1, 2025, aims to curb unauthorised Hajj pilgrims entering through long-term visit visas.

The affected countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

The move suspends the 1-year multiple-entry visa indefinitely for tourism, business, and family visits.

Under the new rules, visitors from these 14 countries can only apply for single-entry visas. These visas will have a 30-day validity with a maximum stay of 30 days.

The government has clarified that this policy does not affect Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.