By Israel Ajenu
Saudi Arabia has announced a new visa policy restricting visitors from Nigeria and 13 other countries to single-entry visas.
The change, which has already come into effect this month, is directed at curbing unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages and ensuring the safety of those attending the religious event.
Travellers from these nations will no longer have access to the one-year multiple-entry visa for tourism, business and family visits.
According to TravelBiz, Saudi Arabia has suspended the one-year multiple entry visa for travellers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
The country, according to the report, has decided to issue only single-entry visas to travellers from these nations, valid for 30 days with no option for extension.
Under the new visa guidelines, travellers from the affected nations will receive a single-entry visa, valid for 30 days, with no extension options.
“The changes apply to tourists, business travellers, and individuals visiting family members, but exclude those applying for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas,” the report said.
Saudi authorities explained that the misuse of multiple-entry visas had become a significant issue, saying many travellers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or participate in Hajj without proper authorization.
Saudi government, therefore, advised travellers from the affected nations to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their planned travel dates.
