Travel ban on short-term visas takes effect April 13; existing visa holders urged to exit by April 29 to avoid penalties
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 7, 2025 — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced sweeping changes to its visa policy, suspending access to several short-term visa categories for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, in a move aimed at tightening travel protocols ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage season.
According to an official notice issued by Saudi immigration authorities, the new restrictions will take effect from April 13, 2025, and will prevent affected nationals from applying for new short-term visas, including business visas (both single- and multiple-entry), tourist e-visas, and family visit visas.
Countries affected by the new policy include: Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
“After this deadline, affected individuals face potential penalties, including a possible five-year ban from entering the country,” Saudi authorities warned.
The decision has generated concern across diplomatic, travel, and religious circles, particularly in nations with significant numbers of Muslim citizens who undertake religious travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah.
Existing Visas Still Valid—For Now
Nigerians and others from the affected countries who currently hold valid Saudi visas will still be permitted to travel to the Kingdom—but only until April 13, and they must exit no later than April 29.
Failure to comply with the exit deadline could trigger severe penalties, including a five-year entry ban, as noted in the advisory.
Saudi authorities underscored the urgency of adherence, adding that immigration enforcement would be strengthened after the cut-off dates.
Overcrowding, Visa Misuse Cited as Reasons
In statements reported by Gulf News, Saudi officials explained that the temporary visa restrictions stem from “logistical challenges and overcrowding” observed during the 2024 Hajj season, when thousands of pilgrims reportedly entered the Kingdom using non-pilgrimage visas such as tourist or business visas—bypassing the formal Hajj quota system.
“The Kingdom has repeatedly emphasized the importance of obtaining the appropriate visa type for religious travel and warned of legal consequences for those who fail to comply,” the Saudi government reiterated.
In a bid to prevent a repeat of last year’s incidents, which reportedly strained local infrastructure and pilgrimage logistics, Saudi Arabia is taking preemptive steps to regulate entry more strictly ahead of the Hajj 2025 season, expected to commence in mid-June.
Earlier Visa Changes Set the Stage
The April 2025 visa restrictions follow an earlier move in February 2025, when Saudi authorities suspended one-year multiple-entry visas for travelers from the same 14 countries. Instead, they limited travel eligibility to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days, citing similar concerns over travel misuse and crowd management.
That initial decision, while deemed temporary at the time, appears to have evolved into a more comprehensive policy shift, raising new questions about how long these restrictions will remain in place and what it means for future travel plans to the Kingdom.
Hajj and Umrah Travel: New Rules and Dates
In a separate announcement, Saudi officials also provided clarity on Umrah travel procedures, stating that the issuance of Umrah visas will begin each year on the 14th of Dhu Al-Hijjah and conclude by the 1st of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar.
This adjustment formalizes the timeline for pilgrims intending to perform Umrah outside the Hajj window and seeks to streamline arrivals, visa approvals, and transportation logistics.
Religious authorities have welcomed the move as a step toward better pilgrimage management but cautioned that public education on visa compliance will be essential to avoid confusion.
Impact on Nigeria and Other Affected Countries
The new visa measures are likely to have a significant impact on Nigerian travelers, especially those planning business trips, family visits, or religious pilgrimages outside of formal Hajj arrangements.
Travel agencies, religious tour operators, and prospective pilgrims are now scrambling for clarification, with many urging the Nigerian government to engage in high-level dialogue with Saudi officials.
“This is going to disrupt travel plans for thousands of people,” said Alhaji Musa Adamu, a Lagos-based Hajj coordinator. “We understand the need for order, but the suddenness of this announcement makes it difficult for travelers and agents to adjust. We are calling for more diplomatic engagement to resolve this quickly.”
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to release an official response in the coming days. Unofficial sources suggest preliminary discussions have already begun between the Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh and Saudi officials.
A Larger Shift in Saudi Travel Policy?
Some analysts believe the new visa restrictions reflect a broader realignment in Saudi Arabia’s travel and immigration strategy, especially as the Kingdom pushes forward with Vision 2030, a sweeping national transformation plan aimed at diversifying the economy and managing urban development.
“These recent visa adjustments are part of a larger Saudi effort to modernize its travel infrastructure, reduce visa misuse, and manage the flow of millions of annual visitors,” said Dr. Lina Al-Bassam, a Gulf policy analyst at the Middle East Studies Institute in Doha.
“But without clear communication and coordination with partner countries, these policies risk alienating key allies and communities,” she added.
What Travelers Need to Know
Saudi authorities advise travelers from the 14 affected countries to:
- Refrain from applying for new short-term visas starting April 13, 2025
- Exit the Kingdom by April 29 if they currently hold a valid visa
- Apply only for the correct visa category, especially for religious travel
- Monitor updates from official Saudi government portals and local embassies
Failure to follow the guidelines could result in legal consequences, entry bans, and fines.
Conclusion: Diplomatic and Practical Implications
As the Hajj season approaches, Saudi Arabia’s decision underscores the increasing complexity of managing mass religious tourism, particularly in the context of visa misuse and logistical strain. While the Kingdom has framed the new restrictions as temporary and precautionary, the ripple effects across affected countries like Nigeria are already being felt.
Whether these measures will be adjusted or extended remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Kingdom is determined to regulate pilgrimage-related travel more strictly—prioritizing order, compliance, and coordination.
