Saudi Arabia has announced a significant change to its visa policy, restricting nationals from 14 countries, including Nigeria, from applying for new short-term visas. The restriction, which takes effect on 13 April 2025, impacts multiple visa categories, including business visas (both single and multi-entry), tourist e-visas, and family visit visas.

According to the official notice, Nigerian nationals currently holding valid Saudi visas may continue travelling to the Kingdom until 13 April 2025, but must exit no later than 29 April. After this deadline, affected individuals face potential penalties, including a possible 5-year ban from entering the country.

Saudi authorities have indicated that the move is ?part of ongoing efforts to regulate travel ahead of the upcoming Hajj season,? according to a Gulf News report. The decision reportedly comes in response to logistical challenges and overcrowding experienced during the previous Hajj season, when many pilgrims allegedly entered the country using visas not specifically designated for pilgrimage purposes.

This restriction follows earlier measures taken in February 2025, when Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely and restricted travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days.

The new restrictions specifically state that even those with valid multi-entry business visas will not be permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia after 13 April, regardless of their visa?s expiration date.

Other countries affected by these new restrictions include Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

In addition to these changes, Saudi Arabia has also issued updated guidance regarding Umrah travel logistics. The issuance of Umrah visas will begin each year on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and conclude by the 1st of Shawwal.

?The Kingdom has repeatedly emphasised the importance of obtaining the appropriate visa type for religious travel and warned of legal consequences for those who fail to comply,? according to Saudi authorities quoted in Gulf News. (BusinessDay)

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