Saudi Arabia suspends short-term visas for 14 countries ahead of Hajj 2025
Saudi Arabia has placed a temporary suspension on the issuance of new short-term visas for citizens of fourteen countries as part of its continued efforts to limit travel in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season. These visas include business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas. Trending: 21 arrested for impersonating as officials
India, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libyan nationals will be subject to the ban when it comes into force on April 13, 2025, according to a report published in Gulf News. However, Saudi Jawazat denies any such circular was issued and nor was it published in any local news.
But Umrah visa holders with valid visas can enter the kingdom until April 13, but they must depart no later than April 29, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's latest statement.
To limit the overcrowding in Hajj 2025:
This change is in response to the congestion and logistical problems that occurred during the most recent Hajj season, when many worshippers allegedly overstayed their visas by entering the Kingdom on non-pilgrimage visas.
The new regulations, according to Saudi officials, are an effort to improve arrival coordination and make the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage more organized and safe. Most Viewed: Muslims are advised to fast 6 days of Shawwal
In a television interview, Egypt's Chamber of Tourism Companies member Basil Al Sisi explained that the decision is based on what was learned during the last Hajj season.
Those who conducted the Hajj with temporary or non-Hajj-specific visas were named as "authorities have identified the countries that contributed to the crisis last year," he added.
In a similar release, Saudi officials provided new guidelines on the planning and execution of the Umrah pilgrimage. The annual process of issuing Umrah visas starts on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and ends on the 1st of Shawwal.
From Dhu Al Hijjah 14 until Shawwal 15, the Kingdom will be open for Umrah pilgrims to enter, but they must depart by the 1st of Dhu Al Qa'dah.
Legal consequences await anyone who does not comply with the kingdom's frequent warnings about the importance of getting the correct visa type for religious travel. Join Saudi Expatriates channel on Telegram for all updates on Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia suspends short-term visas for 14 countries ahead of Hajj 2025