As part of continuous efforts to control travel in advance of the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension on issuing new short-term visas, including business visit visas (both single-entry and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas, for citizens of 14 countries.
India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya are among the countries whose citizens are subject to the moratorium, which is scheduled to go into force on April 13, 2025.
Visa holders from these nations may still enter the Kingdom until April 13 and must leave by April 29. The decision comes after the previous Hajj season, when many pilgrims reportedly entered the nation with visas not meant for pilgrimage, causing overcrowding and logistical difficulties.
The new limitations, according to Saudi officials, are intended to improve arrival coordination and guarantee the security and planning of the forthcoming pilgrimage.
