Saudi Arabia Visa & Policy Updates
Saudi Arabia has expanded eVisa eligibility to over 60 countries, including new additions like Turkey and Thailand, while activating a 90-day mutual visa waiver for Russian citizens. The kingdom recently introduced freehold property ownership for foreigners and launched the Nusuk platform for Umrah applications. However, new regulations now limit startups to five instant work visas and enforce strict entry bans for Makkah during the Hajj season.
Saudi Arabia limits new firms to 5 Qiwa instant work visas
New regulations limit the number of work visas available to companies less than two years old in Saudi Arabia. This change restricts sponsorship opportunities for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs looking to join or launch early-stage ventures in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia opens Nusuk applications for 1448 AH Umrah season
Saudi Arabia has launched the electronic visa application process for the upcoming Umrah season via the Nusuk platform. International travelers can now secure entry and departure dates for religious visits to Makkah through early April 2027.
Russia and Saudi Arabia activate 90 day mutual visa waiver for tourists
Russian citizens can visit Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per year without a visa for tourism or family visits. This change simplifies short-term stays for Russian digital nomads and travelers, though work and residency still require specific permits.
Saudi Arabia opens freehold property access for foreigners starting Jan. 22
The shift to freehold property ownership for foreigners allows expats to invest in and own real estate directly, fundamentally changing long-term residency and financial planning in the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia resumes fines for overstaying Umrah and visit visas
The window to extend expired visit and transit visas without penalty in Saudi Arabia has closed; failure to regularize status now results in immediate fines and potential reentry bans.
Saudi Arabia’s April 18 Cutoff Leaves Umrah Pilgrims Racing the Clock
Saudi authorities enforced the end of the Umrah season with a hard deadline of April 18, 2026, for Umrah pilgrims (and certain expired visit/transit/final-exit visa holders affected by regional issues) to depart the Kingdom. After this date, Makkah and holy sites become a Hajj-only zone. The single-entry Umrah visa validity was reduced from three months to one month. Non-compliance (e.g., overstaying on Umrah or tourist visas during the Hajj period) triggers fines up to SAR 10,000, deportation, and multiyear entry bans. Visit visa holders are barred from performing Hajj; only official Hajj permit holders may enter Mecca/holy sites. Mandatory vaccinations (e.g., oral polio, meningitis) and pre-booking via the Nusuk app are required, with airlines denying boarding without matching references. These measures were highlighted in updates and circulars around April 18–20, 2026.
Saudi Arabia's Makkah entry rules tighten for Hajj season
Strict enforcement of Makkah (Mecca) entry restrictions began on April 13, 2026. Expatriates, residents, and other visa holders (including tourists and Umrah visa holders) are barred from entering Makkah without a valid Hajj permit, Makkah residency ID, or official work permit for the Holy Sites. Checkpoints enforce this; violations lead to punitive action. Umrah visa holders must depart the Kingdom by April 18, 2026. Umrah permits via the Nusuk platform are suspended from April 18 to May 31, 2026. These measures aim to manage crowds and ensure safety ahead of Hajj 2026. This directly impacts expats, travelers, and anyone planning visits to Makkah.
Saudi Arabia restricts Makkah entry for nomads and tourists through May 31
From April 13, 2026, Saudi authorities strictly enforced Hajj-season regulations barring expatriates, residents, and others without an official Hajj permit, Makkah residency ID, or specific work permit from entering Mecca (Makkah). Non-Muslims are already prohibited. Umrah visa holders were required to exit the kingdom by April 18, 2026, as permits are suspended during peak Hajj. This directly impacts expats and travelers in or transiting the region.
Saudi Arabia Just Expanded Its eVisa to Six More Countries
Saudi Arabia expanded its eVisa program to include six additional countries (Turkey, Thailand, Panama, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Saint Kitts and Nevis). Eligible travelers from these countries can now apply online for a one-year, multiple-entry visa for tourism, business, or Umrah (up to 90 days per visit). The announcement was published around April 9, 2026.
Saudi Arabia Updates Visa Enforcement and Overstay Penalties
Saudi Arabia has introduced revised visit visa validity periods and enhanced digital monitoring for all visitors. Travelers should note stricter penalties for overstaying and seasonal entry restrictions for certain nationalities during the Hajj period.
Inside Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Visa and Residency Rules
Saudi Arabia has expanded eVisa eligibility to over 60 countries while maintaining specific seasonal restrictions for 14 nationalities during Hajj. While work visa processing times vary by nationality, the government confirmed there are no permanent nationality-based bans for employment visas.