Saudi Arabia has recently implemented major changes to its visit visa rules for Pakistani citizens. Effective from February 1, 2025, the Kingdom has scrapped one-year multiple-entry visit visas for tourism, family, and business purposes. Now, Pakistani travellers can only apply for single-entry visas valid for 30 days per visit.
This policy shift has significant implications for tourism, family visits, and business travel. Understanding these new rules is crucial for Pakistani travellers planning their trips to the Kingdom. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabia single-entry visit visa for Pakistanis, including key requirements, travel tips, and practical advice for a smooth journey.
Why Saudi Arabia Introduced the Single-Entry Rule
Previously, multiple-entry visas allowed Pakistani citizens to travel freely for extended periods, often returning multiple times in a year. While this system was convenient, authorities noticed frequent misuse, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Some travellers used visit visas for purposes outside official regulations, creating overcrowding during peak pilgrimage times. To regulate travel and ensure fair access to religious and tourist facilities, the Kingdom introduced stricter measures.
The new Saudi Arabia single-entry visit visa for Pakistanis helps:
- Prevent overcrowding during Hajj and Umrah
- Ensure travellers comply with official guidelines
- Maintain better security and monitoring
- Streamline visa issuance with biometric verification
All applicants are now required to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) at authorised centres. This makes the application process more secure and reduces the chance of fraudulent entries.
Who Is Affected by the New Rules
The visa reform impacts several types of travellers:
- Tourists: Short trips for sightseeing or leisure are now strictly limited to 30 days. Travellers must plan their itinerary carefully to make the most of their stay.
- Family visitors: Visiting relatives in Saudi Arabia requires precise planning, as multiple-entry visas are no longer available. Families should coordinate travel to avoid repeated applications.
- Business travellers: Professionals who frequently visit Saudi Arabia now need to apply for a separate visa for each trip, which may affect project timelines or client meetings.
- Religious travellers outside Hajj/Umrah visas: Visit visas cannot be used for pilgrimage purposes. Dedicated Hajj or Umrah visas must be obtained for religious visits.
The change encourages disciplined travel planning while still providing legitimate opportunities for tourism, business, and family visits.
Key Requirements for Pakistani Travellers
To apply for the Saudi Arabia single-entry visit visa, Pakistani travellers must follow these steps:
- Single-entry visa only: Multiple-entry visas are no longer available.
- 30-day validity per visit: Ensure your stay does not exceed the permitted duration. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or future travel bans.
- Biometric submission: Applicants must provide fingerprints and photographs at authorised centres before receiving the visa.
- Visa categories: Available for tourism, family, or business purposes only.
- Early application recommended: Visa processing can take several days, so planning ahead is crucial.
- Supporting documents: Passport copies, travel itineraries, hotel bookings, or business letters may be required depending on the visa category.
Following these steps ensures a smooth application process, avoiding delays or legal complications.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a Saudi Arabia visit visa may seem complicated at first, but following these steps will make it easier:
- Prepare documents: Passport, photos, and supporting documents.
- Complete online application: Submit personal details and travel information.
- Schedule biometric appointment: Book a slot at an authorised visa centre in Pakistan.
- Pay visa fee: Fees vary depending on the category (tourism, business, family).
- Attend biometric appointment: Submit fingerprints and photos.
- Track application status: Use the official Saudi visa portal.
- Receive visa: Once approved, your single-entry visa will be valid for 30 days.
By carefully following these steps, Pakistani travellers can reduce delays and avoid complications at the border.
Practical Travel Tips
To make your trip smoother, here are some tips for Pakistani travellers:
- Plan your itinerary carefully: Since the stay is limited to 30 days, schedule sightseeing, family visits, or business meetings efficiently.
- Apply early: Visa processing may take time, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Keep copies of all documents: Always carry copies of your visa, passport, and biometric receipt.
- Respect the 30-day limit: Overstaying may result in penalties, including fines or bans from future travel.
- Use proper visas for pilgrimage: Hajj and Umrah require dedicated visas; visit visas cannot be used for religious purposes.
- Prepare for multiple trips: Each visit requires a separate visa and fee.
- Stay updated: Follow news on visa regulations and the upcoming GCC unified tourist visa.
Implications for Tourism
Tourism in Saudi Arabia is affected in several ways:
- Travel agencies must update packages to comply with the new single-entry policy.
- Tourists need to plan shorter stays and focus on key attractions.
- Hotels and tour operators may see changes in booking patterns due to limited visit duration.
Despite these challenges, the stricter visa rules help ensure better regulation and a more secure travel experience.
Implications for Families
Families visiting relatives in Saudi Arabia now face planning challenges. Coordinating visits under the 30-day limit requires careful scheduling:
- Long-term family visits may require multiple visa applications.
- Parents, children, or extended families should plan travel dates to coincide.
- Understanding the rules can prevent unnecessary travel disruptions.
Implications for Business Travel
Business travellers face significant changes:
- Frequent trips now require separate visas, increasing administrative work.
- Companies must adjust project schedules to accommodate the single-entry limitation.
- Advance planning and budgeting for multiple applications are essential.
Although restrictive, these measures promote organized and compliant business travel.
Future Outlook
Though the single-entry visa seems limiting, the GCC unified tourist visa (discussed in Blog 2) could provide flexibility for Pakistani travellers visiting multiple Gulf countries in the future. Until then, Pakistani travellers must comply with the 30-day limit and follow all visa regulations to ensure smooth entry and exit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I convert a single-entry visit visa into a multiple-entry visa?
A: No, the new rules only allow single-entry visas for Pakistani travellers.
Q2: Can I use the visit visa for Umrah?
A: No, Umrah requires a dedicated pilgrimage visa.
Q3: How long does the visa process take?
A: Typically 3–7 days, depending on the visa category and season.
Q4: Can I extend my 30-day stay?
A: Extensions are generally not allowed under the new rules.Q5: Is biometric submission mandatory?
A: Yes, all applicants must submit fingerprints and photos at authorised centres.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi Arabia single-entry visit visa for Pakistanis marks a major shift in travel policy in 2025. For tourists, families, and business travellers, careful planning is essential.
By following proper procedures, applying early, completing biometric requirements, and respecting the 30-day limit, Pakistani travellers can enjoy smooth and hassle-free trips. Awareness and preparation are key to navigating the current visa landscape successfully.