In a significant move ahead of the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, and several other nations.
The suspension, which includes business, tourism, and family visit visas, will come into effect on April 13, 2025. This decision has raised concerns among travelers and expatriates from these countries, many of whom had planned trips to Saudi Arabia in the coming months.
The news regarding the temporary visa ban has been reported by multiple sources, including diplomatic channels and media outlets, but the Saudi government has not officially provided a detailed explanation or formal announcement.
Which countries are affected?
The visa suspension affects citizens from Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh. The suspension applies to various types of visas, including single and multiple-entry business visas, tourist e-visas, and family visit visas. Notably, even holders of valid multi-entry business visas will not be allowed to enter the Kingdom beyond the specified date.
Travelers from these countries who currently hold valid visas may still enter the Kingdom until April 13 and must exit no later than April 29, according to diplomatic sources. After April 13, 2025, no entry will be allowed under existing short-term visas, regardless of their printed validity. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in a five-year ban on re-entry to Saudi Arabia.
Reasons behind visa restrictions
Despite the significant impact of this policy change, the Saudi government has not provided a clear explanation for the abrupt shift in its visa policy. This sudden restriction has led to uncertainty among travelers, particularly expatriates and business professionals, who will be affected by the unexpected disruption to their travel plans.
Saudi authorities have advised travelers from the affected countries to avoid planning trips to the Kingdom after mid-April 2025, even if they possess valid visas. The government’s primary concern seems to be managing the influx of visitors ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, which typically sees millions of Muslims from around the world traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the sacred pilgrimage.
Another key factor, some say, is illegal employment. Reports indicate that travelers on business and family visas have been involved in unauthorized work, violating visa regulations and contributing to disruptions in the labor market.
Hajj 2025 season
The temporary visa ban comes at a time when preparations for Hajj 2025 are already underway. Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has approved the Hajj flight schedule, which is set to begin on April 29, 2025. This marks the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, and Pakistani officials have confirmed that nearly 179,210 Pakistani pilgrims will make the journey this year.
In addition to the flight schedule, the Ministry has also emphasized that all pilgrims must be vaccinated at their respective Haji camps at least ten days before their flight. The first phase of pilgrim training will commence on April 8, with the second phase following shortly after.
Impact on Pakistani Travelers
Pakistani Umrah visa holders, in particular, have been instructed to return to Pakistan by April 29, 2025, as their visas will no longer be valid after the deadline. Diplomatic sources have confirmed that the Saudi government has officially informed Pakistan about the decision, creating a sense of urgency for those who had planned to visit Saudi Arabia for religious or business purposes in the near future.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced its pre-Hajj operations, which will run from April 29 to June 1, 2025. During this period, PIA will transport more than 56,000 Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia through 280 special flights. These flights will depart from five major cities: Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Multan. PIA has also assured that Boeing 777 and Airbus 320 aircraft will be used to ensure comfort and smooth operations.
What this means for Travelers
As Saudi Arabia’s visa ban takes effect, travelers from the affected countries will need to make alternative arrangements for their trips. For those planning to attend the Hajj or Umrah, the suspension could lead to significant delays or the need to cancel their plans entirely. Authorities are advising all travelers to monitor official announcements for updates on the situation.
With the Hajj season fast approaching, this sudden policy change is likely to cause considerable disruption, particularly for those with long-standing travel plans. The situation underscores the complex and sometimes unpredictable nature of international travel regulations, particularly when it comes to religious pilgrimages like Hajj.
When will the temporary Visa ban be lifted?
The latest policy highlights Saudi Arabia’s immigration control strategy, ensuring better management of pilgrims and visitors. Officials have reaffirmed that normal visa processes are expected to resume after mid-June 2025, once the Hajj season concludes.
This timeline is aimed at restoring regular visa procedures and addressing the influx of travelers. Travelers from the affected countries are advised to stay updated on official announcements for confirmation of when the ban will officially be lifted.