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BREAKING! Saudi Arabia Imposes Visa Ban On Nigerians

Posted by Gistsnaija. on 9 April, 2025 | under News
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Saudi Arabia Imposes Visa Ban On Nigerians

Saudi Arabia has announced a significant change to its visa policy, restricting nationals from 14 countries from applying for new short-term visas starting from April 13, 2025. Among the countries affected, Nigeria has been listed as one of the nations restricted from obtaining these visas.

Other countries included in the ban are Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This policy shift impacts multiple visa categories, including business visas (both single and multi-entry), tourist e-visas, and family visit visas.

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According to a notice released by Saudi authorities, Nigerians holding valid Saudi visas are permitted to continue traveling to the Kingdom until April 13, 2025. However, it is important for them to ensure their exit from the country no later than April 29, 2025.

“After this deadline, affected individuals face potential penalties, including a possible 5-year ban from entering the country.”

The Saudi government explained that the measure is “part of ongoing efforts to regulate travel ahead of the upcoming Hajj season.”

According to Gulf News report, the latest restriction comes into effect over logistic challenges and overcrowding experienced during the previous Hajj season, when a lot of pilgrims used visas not meant for pilgrimage purposes.

In February 2025, Saudi authorities had temporarily suspended one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely and restricted travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days.

Also, Saudi authorities gave an update on guidance regarding Umrah travel logistics.

The issuance of Umrah visas will begin each year on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and conclude by the 1st of Shawwal.

“The Kingdom has repeatedly emphasised the importance of obtaining the appropriate visa type for religious travel and warned of legal consequences for those who fail to comply,” according to Saudi authorities quoted in Gulf News