Saudi Arabia Resumes Visit Visas for 14 Countries With Entry Limits

Saudi Arabia has resumed issuing visit visas for nationals of 14 countries following a suspension that began in April 2025. The update applies to single-entry visas only and includes strict limits on entry and exit. Travelers from India, Egypt, Nigeria, and others can now apply again, but must comply with new deadlines and procedures set by Saudi authorities.

What’s New: Saudi Visa Policy Update

Saudi Arabia resumed visit visa issuance in late June 2025 for citizens of 14 countries, following a suspension that was in effect since April 13. The affected countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. 

The suspension had halted new visit visas for business, tourism, and family visits during the Hajj season, citing regulatory and logistical reasons. The current update allows nationals from these countries to apply again, but only for single-entry visas. These visas permit one entry into Saudi Arabia and are valid for a stay of up to 90 days. 

There is no reinstatement yet of multiple-entry visas, which were previously available in certain categories. All applications are subject to case-by-case approval, and visa conditions are determined by Saudi immigration authorities at the time of issuance.

Applicants are required to present formal documentation, such as a letter of invitation or a sponsorship reference, before initiating the visa process. 

In some cases, applicants have reported receiving visa documents without clear details on validity or permitted duration, making it essential for travelers to confirm entry terms directly with Saudi consular services or through authorized visa agents.

This policy shift follows increased pressure from impacted travelers and visa service providers who experienced disruption due to the earlier suspension. 

Although the reopening marks a return to some level of visa processing, the Saudi government has not yet confirmed when or if it will resume issuing multiple-entry visit visas. The current approach reflects a cautious easing of controls as the country transitions out of peak Hajj-related travel restrictions.

Key Restrictions Still in Place

Although Saudi Arabia has resumed issuing visit visas, several restrictions from the earlier suspension continue to apply:

• Visa Type: Only single-entry visas are being issued. Each visa permits one entry and a stay of up to 90 days.

   

• No Multiple-Entry Option: Multiple-entry visas remain suspended. There is no option to convert or upgrade a single-entry visa at this time.

   

Exit Deadlines Enforced:

• Travelers already in Saudi Arabia on visit visas had to exit by April 13, 2025.

   

• Umrah pilgrims were required to leave by April 29, 2025.

   

• Overstaying could result in fines or future entry bans.
  

Additional points of concern include:

• Entry Denials: Some travelers with valid visit visas were denied boarding or entry during the suspension. No official explanation was provided by Saudi authorities.

   

• Lack of Clarity in Visa Documents: Some invitation letters or visa notices lacked clear information on entry validity or allowed duration. Travelers should confirm these details directly with Saudi consular services.

Saudi authorities have not announced any timeline for the reinstatement of multiple-entry visas or policy changes regarding these restrictions. For now, applicants should plan travel within the scope of current single-entry limitations and exit requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Saudi Arabia has not released a detailed public list of requirements for the resumed single-entry visit visas, but current guidance shows that citizens of 14 countries; including India, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, are eligible to apply.

Visit visas are being accepted for family, business, and tourism purposes. Applicants must hold a valid passport and provide an official letter of invitation or sponsor approval issued through the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some applicants may also need to meet biometric or health-related requirements.

All applications are reviewed individually by Saudi immigration authorities. Visa approval is not guaranteed, even with complete documentation. Travelers are advised to verify requirements through official channels or trusted visa services to avoid delays or denials.

Penalties for Overstaying

Travelers who remain in Saudi Arabia beyond the validity of their visit visa face strict consequences. Saudi authorities have enforced the following penalties:

• Fines: Overstayers may be fined for each day beyond their authorized stay. The amount varies depending on the length of overstay.

   

• Entry Bans: Individuals who overstay can be barred from entering Saudi Arabia again for a specific period, often several years.

   

• Deportation: In serious cases or repeated violations, authorities may initiate deportation proceedings at the traveler’s expense.

   

• Visa Cancellation for Sponsors: Overstays may also affect the sponsoring individual or business, including penalties or suspension of their ability to issue future invitations.

Who This Affects Most

The updated visa policy has the greatest impact on travelers from the 14 reinstated countries who rely on Saudi visit visas for short-term stays. This includes:

• Family visitors traveling to reunite with relatives living or working in Saudi Arabia.

   

• Business travelers attending meetings, events, or site visits requiring in-country presence.

   

• Religious travelers planning non-Hajj visits, including Umrah outside peak periods.

   

Visa sponsors, such as Saudi residents or companies, also face tighter limits on the type and number of visits they can facilitate under the current single-entry framework.

DocuEntry Insight: What You Should Do Now

If you are planning to travel to Saudi Arabia under the current policy, start by confirming the type and validity of your visa before making any arrangements. Make sure your planned exit falls within the approved visa period to avoid overstaying penalties. 

Since only single-entry visas are being issued, prepare accordingly and avoid assuming multiple visits are allowed. To reduce the risk of delays or rejections, submit your application through official government channels or work with a trusted visa service.

Timeline Recap

• April 13, 2025: Saudi Arabia suspends visit visas for 14 nationalities.

   

• April 29, 2025: Final exit deadline for Umrah pilgrims.

   

• June 30, 2025: Visit visa processing resumes for affected countries, limited to single-entry.
  

This timeline reflects key policy shifts that travelers and sponsors should keep in mind when planning visits to Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s decision to resume visit visa issuance for select nationalities marks a significant policy adjustment following a period of suspension and uncertainty. 

While the reintroduction of visas offers renewed access for business, tourism, and family visits, the continued enforcement of single-entry restrictions and strict exit deadlines underscores the need for careful planning. 

Travelers and sponsors should stay informed through official sources and ensure full compliance with current rules to avoid disruptions.

For up-to-date information, refer to these official resources:

• Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Portal
• Docuentry News