Saudi Arabia Announces New Visa Policy for Pakistan
Saudi Arabia Announces New Visa Policy: The Saudi authorities have suspended one-year multiple visas for tourism, business, and family visits, and now only one-time visas can obtain visitors from these 14 countries (Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen).
The aim of this change is to prevent people from illegal implementation of Hajj because some individuals used long-term visa visits to circumvent the official pilgrimage quota. The new policy came into force on 1 February 2025.
Saudi Arabia Announces New Visa Policy
To visit Saudi Arabia, visitors from above 14 countries will have to apply for a visa with one entry, which is valid for 30 days with a maximum stay of 30 days to visit. It must also submit applications and biometrics in Etimad visa centers throughout Pakistan.
Also read: How to Renew a Pakistani Passport in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia Announces New Visa PolicyThe Saudi authorities are tightening control of Hajj and assigning a pilgrimage quota to each nation.
The multiple entry visa of Saudi Arabia allows visitors from around the world to explore the rich cultural heritage and the modern infrastructure of the kingdom throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the launch of the Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims, including citizens and iqama holders, and urged applicants to submit their applications through the Nusuk App, or the Official E-Portal.
Also read: How to Renew NICOP in Saudi Arabia: The Ultimate Guide
The ministry emphasized the importance of early registration, advised applicants to complete its health information, added accompanying pilgrims, and, if necessary, submitted applications for exemption from the Mahram request.
After completing these steps, the candidates will be informed when the reservations for the Hajj packages are available.
The ministry also explained that the priority would be provided to those who had not previously performed Hajj.
Also read: Apply for Pakistani Passport for Newborns in Saudi Arabia