By Akinwale Kasali
The Saudi Arabian Government has through its New Visa Regulations, imposed a single-entry visa valid for 30 days with no option for extension for Nigerians and 13 Other Countries.
The move applies to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members, while excluding applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
Countries affected by this new directives alongside Nigeria include: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Reason for this development, according to Saudi Arabia Government, is the misuse of multiple-entry visas, noting that some travelers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally, or participate in Hajj without proper authorization.
The Saudi Government regulates Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country, and unauthorized pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding issues.
The situation became particularly severe in 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion, a crisis authorities believe was exacerbated by unregistered attendees.
Officials have described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure but have not provided a specific timeline for its review.
The government plans to assess the impact of the new regulations before making further decisions.
Travelers from affected nations are advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their trips and to comply strictly with the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.
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