In a major policy shift, Saudi Arabia has announced new visa restrictions affecting nationals from 14 countries, including Nigeria.
The directive, which takes effect on April 13, 2025, suspends the issuance of several categories of short-term visas for citizens of the listed countries.
The affected visa categories include single and multiple-entry business visas, tourist e-visas, and family visit visas.
According to an official notice issued by Saudi authorities, Nigerian nationals who already hold valid Saudi visas may still enter the Kingdom before April 13 but must exit no later than April 29, 2025. Anyone who fails to comply with the exit deadline may face stiff penalties, including a possible five-year ban from re-entering the country.
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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.
Paul Orude
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