Saudi Arabia Temporarily Suspends Visas for 14 Countries Including Nigeria, Egypt (Full List)

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended several categories of visas for citizens of Nigeria, Egypt, and 12 other countries in a move aimed at curbing unauthorized pilgrimages ahead of the 2025 Hajj season. The decision, announced by Saudi authorities, is intended to prevent unregistered individuals from attempting the pilgrimage without official permits—a practice that has raised significant safety and logistical concerns.

While holders of Umrah visas will still be granted entry until April 13, the broader suspension is expected to last until mid-June, coinciding with the conclusion of this year’s Hajj. Under the Kingdom’s established quota system, countries are allocated a specific number of Hajj permits, usually distributed through a lottery. However, the high cost of official Hajj packages has led many to pursue unauthorized routes.

These unregistered pilgrims often lack access to vital services such as air-conditioned accommodation, medical care, and emergency assistance, making the already demanding journey even more hazardous. During the 2024 Hajj, at least 1,301 pilgrims died—many from heat-related causes—with the majority lacking official permits.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visa suspension is part of broader efforts to streamline travel processes and ensure the safety of all pilgrims. It also warned that individuals found residing illegally in the Kingdom during this period risk facing a five-year entry ban.

The countries affected by the temporary visa suspension are Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.