In a significant shift that could alter travel plans for thousands of Nigerians, Saudi Arabia has announced stricter visa policies, restricting multiple-entry visas for nationals of 14 countries, including Nigeria. Under the new regulations, travelers will be limited to single-entry visas, valid for only 30 days, with no option for extension.
The policy change, which impacts tourists, business visitors, and those traveling to visit family members, has left many concerned about the new hurdles they face in their travel to the Kingdom. However, pilgrims visiting for Hajj, Umrah, or those applying for residency or diplomatic visas are exempt from these restrictions.
The Saudi authorities, while enforcing these changes, have pointed to the misuse of multiple-entry visas as the primary reason for the policy update. In particular, the Kingdom has raised concerns about the increasing number of foreign nationals, including Nigerians, overstaying their visas, leading to legal violations and unregulated participation in the Hajj pilgrimage.
“The abuse of multiple-entry visas, where some individuals enter the country under the guise of business or tourism but stay indefinitely or use their visas to perform Hajj without proper authorization, has created significant challenges,” said an official from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This has led to overcrowding and a strain on the resources of the Kingdom, particularly during the Hajj season.”
The new policy was largely prompted by the tragic events that unfolded during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. More than 1,200 lives were lost due to a combination of extreme heat and congestion, a situation that the Saudi government believes was worsened by the presence of unregistered pilgrims.
“Unregistered attendees contributed to the chaos and overcrowding that claimed so many lives last year,” explained the official. “We must take decisive steps to ensure that this does not happen again.”
Saudi Arabia has always maintained strict regulations regarding Hajj attendance, with a fixed quota system to ensure orderly conduct and safety. However, the growing trend of unauthorized pilgrims entering the country on multiple-entry visas has sparked concerns about the integrity of the system. The overcrowding during the pilgrimage, which has been a source of worry for several years, reached its peak in 2024, prompting the government to reassess its visa policy.
Under the new guidelines, travelers from 14 countries, including Nigeria, will now be required to apply for single-entry visas. This means that, once in Saudi Arabia, they will be unable to extend their stay beyond 30 days. The new policy also applies to other countries such as Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. This move, though part of a broader effort to control immigration, also sends a clear message to countries whose nationals have been implicated in misuse of long-term visas.
A Nigerian travel agent, Mary Okafor, expressed frustration over the new visa restrictions. “It’s a blow to many of us who have been facilitating travel for Nigerians seeking business opportunities or family visits. Many people will be forced to rearrange their plans or face the risk of overstaying and getting penalized,” Okafor said.
Despite the challenges posed by the new visa rules, Nigerian authorities have urged travelers to comply with the regulations and apply well in advance. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also reminded its citizens of the importance of following the new rules to avoid penalties.
“We understand the concerns this may cause for many Nigerian travelers, but it is critical to adhere to these regulations,” said the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. “We will work closely with Saudi authorities to ensure that our citizens are fully informed about the new visa procedures.”
The Kingdom has stated that the new visa restrictions are temporary and will be reviewed once their impact has been fully assessed. However, no specific timeline has been provided for when the rules may be revisited or adjusted.
Travel experts have warned that Nigerian travelers should be vigilant and stay updated on the situation. With the potential for further changes to the visa policy, Nigerian travelers may face additional challenges when attempting to enter Saudi Arabia in the future.
“Given the uncertainty surrounding the visa process, it is essential for travelers to stay informed through official channels and plan their trips accordingly,” said Ibrahim Adeoye, a Nigerian immigration consultant. “This will help mitigate disruptions to travel plans and avoid unnecessary delays.”
The Saudi government, while emphasizing the temporary nature of the new regulations, also stressed the importance of maintaining the safety and order of the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the most significant religious events for Muslims worldwide.
Nigerians planning to visit Saudi Arabia for business or family reasons will need to adapt to these changes, which are aimed at ensuring smoother operations during the Hajj season and preventing illegal overstays. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether these new visa restrictions will be a permanent fixture of Saudi Arabia’s immigration policy or a temporary response to a specific set of challenges.
