As of February 1, 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made significant changes to its visa policy, particularly affecting travelers from certain countries. Due to high travel demand, the Saudi authorities have temporarily suspended the issuance of multiple-entry visit visas for specific nationalities. In this article, we’ll explain the affected countries, current visa options, required documents, and what this means for travelers in simple, clear language.
Suspension of the Multiple-Entry Visit Visa
Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the one-year multiple-entry visit visa (often used for family visits) for travelers from several countries. This decision is aimed at controlling the influx of travelers and streamlining visa processing during high seasons. 
Affected Nationalities Include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Nigeria
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Ecuador
- (and possibly others)
If you are from one of these countries, you can still travel to Saudi Arabia, but not with a multiple-entry visit visa at the moment.
What Types of Visas Are Available Now?
Even with the suspension in place, there are still several visa options available for travelers:
- Single-Entry Visit Visa
- Valid for up to 90 days (sometimes extendable).
- Typically used for family visits or general tourism.
- Must be applied for through an embassy or consulate
- Requires full documentation and pre-approval.
- Tourist eVisa
- Available for citizens of 49 countries only (Pakistan and others are not on the list).
- Valid for 1 year, allows multiple entries, up to 90 days per visit.
- Can also be used for Umrah (excluding Hajj season).
- Religious Visa (Hajj & Umrah)
- Umrah Visa: Available year-round (except during Hajj season).
- Hajj Visa: Only issued during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, through authorized agencies with national quotas.
- These are separate from tourist visas and follow strict government guidelines.
- Work or Residency Visa
- Requires a formal job offer from a Saudi employer.
- Includes government authorization, medical checks, and sponsorship.
- Allows the visa holder to live and work in Saudi Arabia.
- Family sponsorship options may be available.
- Business Visa
- For individuals visiting for business-related purposes
- Requires an official invitation letter from a Saudi company. Required Documents for Saudi Visa Applications
While the required documents may vary by visa type, they commonly include:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Recent digital passport photo
- Travel health insurance
- Invitation letter (for family/business visits)
- Vaccination records (e.g. yellow fever, if applicable)
- Confirmed hotel bookings and return flights (for tourism)
- Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates for family visas)
Can Citizens of These 14 Countries Still Visit Saudi Arabia?
Yes, they can — but with certain restrictions.
If you are a citizen of any of the following countries:
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Ecuador, or other currently restricted nationalities — here’s what you need to know:
You can apply for a single-entry visit visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate.
You can apply for a Umrah visa (outside of the Hajj season).
You can travel for work, residency, or business if you meet the eligibility requirements and have proper documentation.
You cannot currently apply for a multiple-entry visit visa valid for 1 year.
You cannot apply online for a tourist eVisa, as these countries are not part of the 49 eligible nations.
For Hajj, you must apply through official licensed travel agencies, and only during the authorized Hajj period.
While the Saudi visa system has introduced temporary restrictions for some nationalities, the country remains open to visitors, pilgrims, and professionals. The key is to understand the right visa type, follow official procedures, and prepare your documents carefully. If you’re planning to visit Saudi Arabia, we recommend consulting with a trusted travel agency or visa specialist to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
About Epic Click Travel & Tourism L.L.C
Epic Click Travel is your trusted travel partner for hassle-free trips, specializing in fast and seamless flight bookings, hotel reservations, and visa processing. Whether it’s a short stopover or a full vacation, Epic Click Travel takes care of the details so you can enjoy every moment in Dubai.
Phone: +971 4 572 6638
WhatsApp: +971 52 427 5718
Email: Info@epicclicktravel.com / epicclicktraveltourism@gmail.com
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