Saudi Arabia remains a top destination for overseas Filipino Workers and travelers, but entry is not guaranteed for everyone.
A combination of new and longstanding rules, temporary bans, and strict enforcement mean that some Filipinos may be denied entry or even blacklisted.
Here are 11 key reasons why:
Temporary visa suspensions for specific countries
Saudi Arabia has imposed temporary suspensions on short-term visas—including business, tourism, and family visit visas—for citizens of 14 countries, including the Philippines’ regional neighbors.
While the Philippines is not currently on this list, similar restrictions can be enacted at short notice, especially around the Hajj season or in response to public health or security concerns.
Overstaying previous visas
Filipinos who have previously overstayed their Saudi visas—whether for work, visit, or pilgrimage—face fines, deportation, and multi-year bans from re-entering the Kingdom.
For example, as of 2025, those caught overstaying may be fined up to SAR 50,000 (about $13,000), imprisoned for up to six months, and then deported, with repeat offenders facing permanent bans from future entry.
Attempting unauthorized Hajj or Umrah
Performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimage without the correct visa or outside the designated period is a serious violation. Saudi authorities have ramped up enforcement to prevent unauthorized religious travel, especially after the 2024 Hajj disaster linked to unregistered pilgrims.
Damaged, altered, or invalid passports
Saudi immigration strictly enforces passport requirements. Passports must be valid for at least six months, undamaged, and match visa details exactly. Any discrepancies or damaged documents can result in denial of entry.
Criminal records or outstanding legal issues
Visa applicants with a record of criminal offenses, fraud, or unresolved legal cases in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere may be denied entry or blacklisted.
Saudi authorities conduct thorough background checks, and even minor offenses or pending investigations can result in visa rejection or long-term bans from entering the Kingdom.
Unpaid loans, debts, or financial obligations
Failure to settle debts, loans, or credit card bills from previous stays in Saudi Arabia can lead to entry bans. Saudi authorities coordinate with banks and employers to track financial delinquencies.
For example, there have been cases where former OFWs with unresolved credit card debts were denied new work visas or re-entry to the Kingdom until their financial obligations were fully settled.
Falsification of documents
Submitting forged or altered documents—such as diplomas, employment certificates, or IDs — during the visa application process is grounds for immediate rejection and blacklisting.
Public health and infectious disease concerns
Filipinos (and all travelers) may be denied entry if they are found to have certain infectious diseases, such as meningococcal disease, polio, and yellow fever or other illnesses flagged by Saudi health authorities. Health checks remain a standard part of the visa process.
Violation of Saudi laws and morality codes
Previous involvement in activities considered illegal or immoral in Saudi Arabia—such as alcohol-related offenses, gambling, or public indecency—can result in bans. Saudi authorities maintain strict records and share information with other GCC states.
Improper or incomplete visa applications
Visa applications with missing, inconsistent, or incorrect information are commonly rejected. This includes mismatched passport and visa data, incomplete supporting documents, or failure to meet biometric requirements.
Failure to exit on time during temporary visa bans
During periods of heightened restrictions—such as the 2025 Hajj season—holders of valid short-term visas from affected countries were required to exit Saudi Arabia by a set deadline. Failure to comply results in heavy fines (up to SAR 100,000) and future entry bans.