Saudi Arabia New Visa Policy: Big Shock for Pakistanis. In a surprise move that has major implications for Pakistani travellers, Saudi Arabia has rolled out a new visa policy that affects visitors from Pakistan among 14 other countries.
As of 1 February 2025, the Kingdom now restricts multiple-entry visit visas (for tourism, business and family visits) and only issues single-entry visas valid for 30 days. This change has been described as a “big shock” by many Pakistanis who regularly travel to the Kingdom — whether for work, family visits, Umrah or business.
What Changed in the Visa Policy?
Here are the key changes introduced by the Saudi authorities:
- The previous one-year multiple-entry visit visas (valid for tourism, business, family visits) for Pakistan nationals have been scrapped.
- Now travellers from Pakistan (and 13 other specified countries) can only apply for a single-entry visit visa, valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit.
- Biometrics and verification must be done at Etimad visa centres in Pakistan for applicants.
- Short-term visit visas (business, tourist, family) for these countries were temporarily suspended from 13 April 2025, in anticipation of the Hajj season.
Why Did Saudi Arabia Make These Changes?
The official reasons given by Saudi authorities and analysis indicate:
- Controlling unauthorised Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages: multiple-entry visas were reportedly being used to access the Kingdom during the Hajj season outside official quota channels.
- Strengthening immigration oversight, reducing overstays and visa misuse by frequent re-entry visitors from certain nations.
- Aligning visa policy with the Kingdom’s broader goals under Vision 2030, focusing on regulated tourism and controlled visitor flows.
Impact on Pakistani Travellers
These changes will have several immediate and long-term implications for Pakistani citizens:
- Frequent travellers who previously relied on multiple-entry visit visas will now face additional cost and processing burden for each separate entry to Saudi Arabia.
- Family visit, business or tourism travel plans may need re-planning to fit the new 30-day single-entry window.
- Applicants must complete new biometric enrolment and possibly face longer visa processing times for each trip.
- Employers, travel agencies and pilgrims from Pakistan must update their plans and budgets to accommodate the changed rules.
- Those with business interests or recurring visits to Saudi Arabia may need to explore alternative visa types or longer-term options (such as residence/work visas) rather than short visit visas.
What Types of Visas Are Affected — And Which Are Not?
| Visa Type | Affected by Change | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism / Family Visit / Short-term business | Yes – Multiple-entry scrapped; single-entry only | Includes Pakistani travellers under original visit visa category. |
| Hajj / Umrah / Residence / Work Visas | No major change reported | Official Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic and residency visas continue under separate rules. |
| Multiple-entry business or block visas | Partial effect | Some business quota and block visa processing was suspended for affected countries in April 2025. |
How to Adapt & What Travellers Should Do
If you are a Pakistani planning travel to Saudi Arabia, consider the following tips:
- Check visa type early: Arrange the correct visa type – if your travel is for tourism, business or family visit, expect the single-entry 30-day limitation.
- Schedule accordingly: Ensure your travel plans, flights and accommodation align with the new 30-day stay and single-entry constraint.
- Prepare biometric documentation: Visit the designated Etimad visa centres in Pakistan, complete required biometrics and submit accurate documents.
- Budget for each trip separately: With multiple-entry no longer granted, each visit may involve full cost and processing again.
- Explore other options: If you require frequent travel or work/stay in Saudi, consider longer-term visas (e.g., work/residence) rather than short visit visas.
- Stay updated: The policy change is recent, and further updates or relaxations may occur post-Hajj season or with GCC visa reforms.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Does this policy affect Umrah or Hajj visas for Pakistanis?
A1: No. The new rules pertain to tourism, business and family visit visas. Official Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic and residency visas are handled separately.
Q2: When did the new visa policy come into effect?
A2: The policy for single-entry only for 14 countries including Pakistan took effect from 1 February 2025.
Q3: Can I still get a multiple-entry visa to Saudi Arabia?
A3: Not for tourism/business/family visits if you are a Pakistan national – multiple-entry visit visas have been scrapped for those purposes.
Q4: Is the suspension of short-term visas permanent?
A4: The short-term visa suspension (from April) was described as temporary, but limits on entries remain in place.
Q5: How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on the new single-entry visa?
A5: The new visit visa allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry.
Conclusion
The new Saudi visa policy marks a significant shift for Pakistani travellers. Moving from the convenience of multiple-entry visas to a 30-day single-entry framework means more planning, higher impact on business and family travel, and revised budgets. While the changes may feel like a setback, understanding and adapting to the new rules will ensure smoother travel and compliance with Saudi Arabia’s evolving immigration regime.
