Saudi Arabia has restricted Nigeria and 13 other countries to single-entry visas, limited to 30 days.
The visa restriction apply to tourists, business travellers and those visiting family members.
It however exclude applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
Other countries affected by the new order are Egypt, Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Given reasons for the new regulations, Saudi Arabia cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a key reason for the policy shift.
It further noted that some travellers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or participate in Hajj without proper authorisation.
The Saudi government regulates Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country, and unauthorised pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding.
Officials described the suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure but have not provided a specific timeline for its review.
In year 2024, over 1,200 pilgrims reportedly lost their lives as a result of extreme heat and congestion, a crisis authorities believe was worsened by unregistered attendees.
