Saudi Arabia Suspends Visa For Nigeria; 13 Other, Ahead Of 2025 Hajj

Saudi Arabia has declared a temporary halt on granting new short-term visas, encompassing business visit visas (both single and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas, for citizens from 14 nations, including Nigeria.

The suspension, scheduled to commence on April 13, 2025, pertains to individuals from India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya, according to a Gulf News report.

The report stated that travelers from these nations who presently possess valid visas may still enter the Kingdom up until April 13, and they are required to depart no later than April 29.

The report reiterated that travelers from these countries holding valid visas can enter Saudi Arabia until April 13 and must leave by April 29 at the latest.

As cited by Gulf News, Saudi officials explained that the new measures are intended to improve the coordination of arrivals and safeguard the orderliness and security of the forthcoming pilgrimage.

This visa restriction follows Saudi Arabia’s earlier decision in February 2025 to indefinitely pause one-year multiple-entry visas and limit travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days.

Saudi Arabia has also released revised instructions concerning the logistics of Umrah travel. The issuance of Umrah visas will start annually on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and end by the 1st of Shawwal.

“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 statement underscored.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli