Only nationals from 18 countries are now eligible to obtain Saudi Arabia’s e-stopover visa after the latter’s authorities have applied new changes to the visa rules.
It means that the visa will now only be issued to travelers from countries included in the “Group A” of Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority, VisaGuide.World reports.
The list of countries whose nationals are now eligible for e-stopover visas consists of the following countries: Canada, Malaysia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Singapore, Thailand, Türkiye, and Mauritius.
Authorities in this country also emphasized that applicants are required to have a valid visa for one of the listed countries and must have previously used it to enter that country.
The new changes come as part of efforts to simplify the visa process for certain travelers and ensure updated travel regulations are followed.
Temporary Suspension on Saudi Short-Term Visas Before Haj Season Begins
Ahead of the Haj season, authorities in Saudi Arabia also unfolded plans to temporarily suspend new short-term visas to nationals of 14 countries. The decision will take effect on April 13, 2025, according to a report from Gulf News.
The decision is expected to affect business visit visas, as well as e-tourist visas and family visas for nationals from the following countries: Egypt, India, Tunisia, Yemen, Morocco, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Iraq, Sudan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Libya.
Authorities in this country announced that travellers from the nations mentioned above obtaining valid visas will be able to enter the Kingdom until April 13 and must leave by April 29.
April 13, 2025, is the last day to enter for Umrah as Saudi Arabia prepares for the next Haj season. All those who stay over April 29 will be considered to have breached the law.
Fines of SR100,000 for Visa Violations Ahead of Haj
Recently, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior highlighted the importance of strict compliance with the rules for Hajj and Umrah.
Besides, the Ministry also announced fines of SR100,000 ($26,670) on Hajj and Umrah service-providing companies and all those who violate visa rules.
The Ministry highlighted that the fines will be applied to all those who fail to inform relevant authorities regarding pilgrims who fail to leave the country before their Haj or Umrah visa expires.