Saudi Arabia suspends short-term visas for 14 countries, including India and Pakistan, ahead of Hajj season

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension on issuing new short-term visas — including business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas — for citizens of 14 countries, as part of ongoing efforts to regulate travel ahead of the upcoming Hajj season.

The moratorium, set to take effect on April 13, 2025, applies to nationals of India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.

Travellers from these countries who currently hold valid visas may still enter the Kingdom until April 13, and must exit no later than April 29.

The move follows logistical challenges and overcrowding witnessed during the last Hajj season, when large numbers of pilgrims reportedly entered the country using visas not intended for pilgrimage purposes.

Saudi authorities said the new restrictions aim to better coordinate arrivals and ensure the safety and organization of the upcoming pilgrimage.

Basil Al Sisi, a member of Egypt’s Chamber of Tourism Companies, said during a televised interview that the decision stems from lessons learned during the previous Hajj season.

"Authorities have identified the countries that contributed to the crisis last year," he said, referring to individuals who performed Hajj using short-term or non-Hajj-specific visas.

In a related announcement, Saudi officials issued updated guidance regarding Umrah travel logistics. The issuance of Umrah visas will begin each year on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and conclude by the 1st of Shawwal.

Entry for Umrah pilgrims into the Kingdom will be permitted from Dhu Al Hijjah 14 until Shawwal 15, with all pilgrims required to leave by the 1st of Dhu Al Qa'dah.

The Kingdom has repeatedly emphasized the importance of obtaining the appropriate visa type for religious travel and warned of legal consequences for those who fail to comply.