Saudi Arabia Ban 14 Countries For Temporaray Visa

Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary visa ban on individuals from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension affects Umrah visas, business visit visas, and family visit visas, and is part of efforts to control overcrowding during the Hajj pilgrimage. This move is being implemented to regulate the flow of visitors to Saudi Arabia, prevent illegal overstaying, and ensure a smooth and secure Hajj season. The ban is set to remain in place until the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, which concludes in mid-June 2025.

Key Points of the Visa Ban

Countries Affected

The visa ban will impact individuals countries. The identified countries are,

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

Reason for Visa Ban

• The ban aims to control the number of pilgrims and visitors to Mecca during the Hajj, especially after the 2024 Hajj tragedy, where overcrowding and extreme heat led to the death of over 1,000 pilgrims, many of whom were unauthorized.
• Saudi authorities want to prevent individuals from overstaying their Umrah or visit visas to perform Hajj without proper registration.

Types of Suspended Visas

• Umrah visas: Religious visa for performing Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken throughout the year.
• Business visit visas: Temporary visas for business visits.
• Family visit visas: Visas for family reunification purposes.

Start and Duration of the Ban

• The ban will begin after April 13, 2025, and will last until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Impact on Pilgrims

• The suspension of visas will affect thousands of pilgrims, particularly from the 14 affected countries, who traditionally travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj.
• The authorities hope this measure will help reduce overcrowding and facilitate a more organized and safe pilgrimage.

Government’s Goal

• The Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has emphasized ensuring a smooth and secure Hajj pilgrimage by regulating the flow of visitors and preventing illegal pilgrims from entering the country.