Saudi Arabia Suspends Umrah and Visit Visas for 14 Countries Effective April 13

Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary visa ban affecting Umrah, business, and visit visas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This suspension, effective April 13, aims to manage the influx of pilgrims during the Hajj season and ensure a safer experience for all travelers.

Understanding the Visa Suspension

If you plan to visit Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, business, or family reasons, be aware of this significant visa ban. The Kingdom has suspended the issuance of several popular visa types for nationals from 14 specific countries. This decision comes as Saudi Arabia prepares for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, enhancing safety measures for all participants.

Reasons Behind the Visa Ban

The primary reason for this temporary suspension is to control the large number of pilgrims during Hajj. Saudi authorities aim to prevent overcrowding and stop individuals from attempting to perform Hajj without official permits.

Concerns arose as many visitors entered the country on Umrah or visit visas and overstayed to perform Hajj illegally. Following the tragic events of Hajj 2024, which saw over 1,000 unregistered pilgrims lose their lives, stricter visa regulations are now in place to ensure safety and prevent future incidents.

Affected Visa Categories

The temporary suspension impacts several key visa categories:

• Umrah Visas: Required for the lesser pilgrimage.
• Business Visit Visas: Designed for short-term business travel.
• Family Visit Visas: For visiting relatives living in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers from the listed countries will face obstacles in obtaining these specific visas.

Countries on the Visa Ban List

Currently, the confirmed countries facing visa suspensions are:

• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Egypt
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Nigeria
• Jordan
• Algeria
• Sudan
• Ethiopia
• Tunisia
• Yemen

While reports mention a possible 14th country, possibly Morocco, it has not been officially confirmed.

Key Dates and Travel Advisory

• April 13, 2025: Last day for Umrah or visit visa issuance for citizens of the affected countries.
• Mid-June 2025: Estimated end date for these restrictions, coinciding with the conclusion of Hajj.

Travelers from these nations should avoid booking travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or visitation unless they are part of an officially registered Hajj group.

Restrictions on Multiple-Entry Visas

In addition to the visa ban, Saudi Arabia has restricted multiple-entry visas for the same 14 countries. Effective February 1, 2025, only single-entry visas will be issued. This policy seeks to curb unauthorized participation in Hajj and strengthen compliance with immigration regulations.

Impact on Travelers

This decision significantly affects:

• Thousands of Muslims from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh planning Umrah during Ramadan.
• Tour operators offering religious packages to Mecca.
• Families hoping to reunite during Eid through visit visas.

Saudi authorities urge all visitors to follow official Hajj registration protocols to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.

Planning Your Trip to Saudi Arabia

While these restrictions are temporary, they highlight the importance of adhering to visa regulations. Here are some tips for travelers:

• Check Official Sources: Always consult the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your local Saudi embassy for the latest visa information.
• Hajj Registration: Ensure you follow official registration channels if planning for Hajj.
• Alternative Timing: If your travel plans are flexible, consider scheduling your trip after mid-June 2025, when restrictions are expected to lift.

Saudi Arabia aims to maintain a safe and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience. While these temporary measures may disrupt some plans, they contribute to the overall safety of pilgrims.