Saudi Arabia Visa Ban – What You Should Know

Saudi Arabia’s visa restrictions have sparked confusion in Nigeria Ahead of 2025 Hajj.

Nigerians were thrown into a state of uncertainty on Monday, 7th April following reports of new visa restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about their potential impact on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Misinformation quickly spread online, with some interpreting the policy as a blanket ban on Nigerian participation in the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

However, both the Federal Government of Nigeria and Saudi authorities have moved to clarify the situation, dispelling rumors and providing key details about the temporary measures.

The confusion stems from a notice issued by Saudi Arabia, widely circulated by Gulf-based media, announcing a temporary suspension of short-term visa issuance to nationals of 14 countries, including Nigeria.

The policy, effective April 13, 2025, affects single and multi-entry business visas, tourist e-visas, and family visit visas.

Other nations impacted include Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, Tunisia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension is set to last through June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj season.

Saudi authorities explained that the measure is part of a broader effort to regulate travel ahead of the pilgrimage, following challenges during the 2024 Hajj.

Last year, the kingdom recorded at least 1,301 deaths, primarily due to extreme heat and logistical strain, with most fatalities linked to pilgrims lacking official Hajj permits.

The Saudi government has since tightened controls to prevent overcrowding and the misuse of non-pilgrimage visas during the sacred event.

Key Facts

Effective Date and Scope: The visa suspension begins April 13, 2025, and applies to short-term visa categories for nationals of the 14 listed countries.

Travel Window: Holders of existing short-term Saudi visas can enter the kingdom before April 13 but must depart by April 29, 2025, or face penalties, including a possible five-year entry ban.

Hajj Exemption: The restriction does not affect pilgrims traveling under the official Hajj scheme, facilitated by Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) or approved tour operators.

Quota System: Saudi Arabia allocates a limited number of Hajj permits to each country, distributed via lottery. However, high costs often push pilgrims toward unauthorized travel options, a practice the new policy aims to curb.

Previous Restrictions: In February 2025, Saudi Arabia limited travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days and suspended one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely.

How it affects you

The visa suspension does not signal a complete ban on Nigerians entering Saudi Arabia, as some social media claims suggested.

Pilgrims registered through NAHCON or recognized operators will still be granted Hajj visas, the only authorized travel document for the pilgrimage period.

However, tourist visa holders will be barred from entering or staying in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH), to ensure compliance with Hajj regulations.

An official from NAHCON, described the policy as a routine adjustment, noting that “countries often tweak visa policies to achieve specific objectives.”

The official urged Nigerians to seek clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Saudi authorities rather than relying on unverified sources.

Federal Government and Saudi Authorities Response

The Federal Government of Nigeria swiftly addressed the wave of misinformation.

In a statement, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, dismissed reports of a blanket visa ban as “entirely false.” He cited confirmation from the Saudi Tourism Centre, which clarified that no such directive exists beyond restrictions tied to the Hajj season.

“For clarity, the only restriction applies to tourist visa holders during the Hajj season,” the statement read. “Individuals holding a tourist visa are not permitted to perform Hajj.”

The ministry emphasized the importance of using official channels for updates and warned against spreading unverified claims.

Saudi authorities echoed this position, stating that the temporary suspension is a logistical measure to manage the influx of visitors during Hajj, building on lessons from the 2024 season’s challenges.

They reaffirmed that pilgrims with proper documentation remain welcome.

As the 2025 Hajj approaches, Nigerian stakeholders are encouraged to rely on NAHCON and other official bodies for guidance, ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience amidst the evolving travel policies.