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Saudi Arabia has announced major changes to its visa policy, set to take effect on February 1, 2025, limiting travelers from 14 countries, including Ethiopia, to single-entry visas. The decision aims to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.
Impact on Ethiopian Travelers
Ethiopia is among the nations affected by the new policy, which indefinitely suspends one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits. Ethiopian travelers, like those from the other impacted countries, will now only be eligible for single-entry visas.
Key Changes in Visa Policy
- Ethiopian visitors to Saudi Arabia can only apply for single-entry visas, valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, and residency visas remain unchanged and are not affected by the new policy.
- The Saudi government has cited visa misuse, particularly by those overstaying to work or participate in the Hajj without authorization, as the primary reason for this decision.
Background and Rationale
Saudi Arabia enforces strict Hajj regulations, allocating a set pilgrimage quota for each country. However, in recent years, unauthorized pilgrims have used long-term visit visas to bypass these restrictions, leading to overcrowding. The crisis reached a peak in 2024, when over 1,200 people died due to extreme heat and congestion during the Hajj. Authorities identified unregistered pilgrims as a key factor contributing to these fatalities, prompting the latest visa restrictions.
How This Affects Ethiopian Pilgrims and Travelers
- Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage: Ethiopian Muslims planning to perform Hajj must adhere strictly to the designated pilgrimage quota and obtain proper authorization.
- Business and Tourism Travel: Entrepreneurs and professionals who frequently travel to Saudi Arabia for business will now need to reapply for visas each time they visit.
- Family Visits: Ethiopians with relatives in Saudi Arabia will also be affected, as they can no longer apply for multiple-entry visas.
Future Outlook
Saudi authorities have indicated that the suspension of multiple-entry visas is a temporary measure, but they have not provided a timeline for review. The government plans to assess the impact of this policy before making further decisions.
Important Information for Ethiopian Travelers
Ethiopians planning to travel to Saudi Arabia should:
- Apply for single-entry visas well in advance to avoid delays.
- Follow Saudi Arabia’s updated immigration laws to prevent any travel disruptions.
- Stay informed about any future policy changes through official Saudi channels and the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As Saudi Arabia continues to refine its visa policies, Ethiopian travelers must adjust to the new regulations to ensure smooth entry into the country.
