SAUDI ARABIA – Update to Business Visit Visa duration for select nationalities.

February 11, 2025

By: Vivek Radhakrishnan, Immigration Manager, Middle East & Africa Operations, Newland Chase

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Saudi Arabia has announced a change in the duration of stay for the Business Visit Visa (BVV) for certain nationalities. These updates have been implemented with immediate effect and are now reflected on the MOFA portal.

Key changes and affected nationalities.

• Restrictions on multiple-entry business visas: Nationals of 14 countries are no longer eligible for a multiple-entry BVV until further notice.
• Limited stay duration: Individuals from the affected nationalities can still apply for single-entry BVVs but will be limited to stays of 30 days.

The following nationalities are impacted by these changes:

• Ethiopia
• Jordan
• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Algeria
• Sudan
• Iraq
• Morocco
• Yemen
• Indonesia
• Tunisia
• Egypt
• Nigeria

Newland Chase insights.

This policy update may impact business travelers who require multiple-entry visas for frequent travel to Saudi Arabia. Companies and travelers should review their visa options and adjust travel plans accordingly to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Given the evolving nature of visa policies, we recommend that applicants verify travel requirements before making arrangements. Businesses and individuals impacted by these changes should explore alternative visa options or seek professional guidance for business travel planning.

For further information or assistance, please contact Newland Chase at [email protected] or reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.