Saudi Arabia Updates Visa Rules for 14 Countries: What Travelers Need to Know in 2024.
Saudi Arabia has updated its visa regulations for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Egypt, allowing only Single-Entry Visas with a 30-day stay limit. The new rules, effective from February 2024, apply to tourist, business, and family visit visas, with no extensions or multiple entries permitted. However, Hajj, Umrah, embassy, and residency visas remain unchanged. Authorities introduced these restrictions to manage unauthorized Hajj travel, following overcrowding issues in 2024. Travelers are advised to apply for visas in advance as the duration of this restriction remains uncertain.
Saudi Arabia Changes Visa Rules for 14 Countries, Including India
Saudi Arabia has revised its visa regulations for 14 countries, including India. The new policy, effective from February 2024, allows only Single-Entry Visas for travelers from these nations.
Affected Countries:
India, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Algeria, Nigeria, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Key Changes:
Travelers can stay for a maximum of 30 days only.
No extensions or multiple-entry visas will be granted.
The rule applies to tourism, business, and family visit visas.
No changes for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
Saudi authorities stated that this decision aims to control unauthorized Hajj travel. In 2024, over 1,200 people lost their lives due to overcrowding and extreme heat during the pilgrimage.
While this restriction is temporary, there's no confirmed date for revision. Travelers are advised to apply for visas in advance.
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