RIYADH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has implemented significant changes to its travel and visa policies for visitors from over a dozen countries, including Pakistan, ahead of the upcoming Hajj season. These changes aim to address unauthorized pilgrimages and ensure proper compliance with pilgrimage quotas.
Under the new rules, travelers from Pakistan and residents of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen will only be eligible to apply for single-entry visas. These visas will be valid for 30 days per visit, marking a major departure from the previous availability of one-year multiple-entry visas.
The changes come as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to prevent individuals from using long-term tourist visas to bypass the official Hajj pilgrimage quota. Authorities have noted instances in the past where passengers secured multiple-entry visas to perform Hajj without proper documentation. The policy officially took effect on February 1, 2025.
For Pakistanis, the cost of a single-entry tourist visa now stands at approximately Rs55,000. Applicants are required to submit visa requests and undergo biometric registration at designated Etimad visa centers across the country.
In addition to the new visa regulations, Saudi authorities have opened Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims. Applicants must provide detailed health information, request necessary exemptions from the Mahram requirement, and register accompanying pilgrims.
The tightened visa policy underscores the Saudi government’s commitment to ensuring that only authorized pilgrims participate in Hajj. The move is expected to streamline travel processes while maintaining order during the peak pilgrimage season.
