Saudi Arabia Cracks Down: 14 Countries Face Visa Restrictions
Saudi Arabia has suspended multiple-entry visas for 14 nationalities—including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt—effective February 2025. Travelers now face strict single-entry, 30-day visas with embassy referrals required.
Saudi Arabia is tightening its visa policy, with fourteen nationalities—including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt—now subject to stricter entry rules.
Since 1 February 2025, the authorities have suspended multiple-entry visas for travellers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen. This policy applies to nationals of these countries, even if they reside elsewhere—such as in Europe—under a valid residence permit.
Practically, applicants will see their online requests rejected outright, with instructions to “Send to Embassy” (Envoyer à l’ambassade) to complete their application.
The now-familiar “Send to Embassy” advisory message.
Single-entry visas limited to 30 days
Gone are the once-standard multiple-entry, one-year visitor visas for these fourteen nationalities. In their place, only single-entry visas valid for up to 30 days will be issued. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has warned that failure to comply with the new rules will result in sanctions or administrative complications.
Nul ne sait combien de temps cela va durer.
Why the sudden crackdown?
The policy shift follows reports of widespread visa abuse. Some travellers used long-term visas to perform the Hajj without registering officially or overstayed illegally. The issue came to a head during Hajj 2024, when more than 1,200 pilgrims died amid extreme weather and the presence of unregistered participants. By limiting visas, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce the risks posed by unchecked crowds during annual pilgrimages.
Temporary measure or permanent shift?
Saudi officials describe the changes as temporary, yet have given no timeline for a potential policy review. Travellers from the fourteen affected countries must still comply while authorities assess the impact.
Stricter border enforcement
Beyond visa restrictions, Saudi Arabia has intensified its immigration crackdown. Moroccan nationals have featured among thousands of undocumented migrants detained and expelled, while authorities have also made the Hajj pilgrimage permit mandatory—reinforcing efforts to manage entry at every stage.
Key changes for travellers from the fourteen affected countries: |
Riyadh is signalling a clear intent to regulate access to its territory more strictly and to bring Hajj under tighter control—effectively rolling back some of the long-standing visa concessions granted to these fourteen nationalities.
What are the remaining options?
According to our reporting, travellers from the fourteen affected countries can still obtain a visa on arrival—but passengers should verify this directly with their airline. Reports suggest some low-cost carriers are not fully aware of the option and may refuse boarding if unaware.
The “visa at the embassy” route remains available but is more cumbersome. Travellers whose e-Visas were already issued should still be able to use them as normal.
Feedback from affected travellers.