Saudi Arabia suspends short-term visa entry for 14 countries
Here’s everything we know about the update…
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary ban on issuing new short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries in an effort to control and regulate travel traffic ahead of the upcoming Hajj Season.
This includes business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas, according to Gulf News. The ban will begin on Sunday April 13.
أمن، سكينة وروحانية. #يسر_وطمأنينة pic.twitter.com/46xNjnAzTj
— وزارة الداخلية 🇸🇦 (@MOISaudiArabia) March 28, 2025
Countries include India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya. Travellers from these countries who currently hold valid visas can still enter the Kingdom until April 13 but must exit by April 29.
According to the Saudi authorities, the move comes in an effort to better coordinate arrivals during the Hajj season and avoid overcrowding. The authorities aim to ensure the safety and organization of the upcoming pilgrimage.
📹| طمأنينة وأمان .. #يسر_وطمأنينة pic.twitter.com/yLuINZlvfb
— وزارة الداخلية 🇸🇦 (@MOISaudiArabia) March 20, 2025