In a move aimed at streamlining travel ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of new short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India. As per a report by Gulf News, the suspension applies to business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas. The moratorium will come into effect on April 13, 2025.
The affected countries are India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya. Travellers from these nations who already possess valid visas may enter the Kingdom before April 13 and must exit no later than April 29, 2025.
The decision follows concerns over overcrowding and logistical challenges experienced during previous Hajj seasons, where many pilgrims reportedly entered Saudi Arabia on non-pilgrimage visas. In response, the Kingdom had earlier suspended one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely in February 2025, limiting travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days.
Saudi authorities have reiterated the importance of obtaining the correct visa type for religious travel and have warned of legal action against violators. Additionally, the issuance of Umrah visas will now follow a fixed schedule each year, starting from the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and ending on the 1st of Shawwal, in an effort to manage pilgrimage traffic more effectively.
