Saudi Arabia Imposes Temporary Visa Ban on 14 Countries08 Apr 2025

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, from April 13 to mid-June 2025. The move aims to control overcrowding during Hajj, following the 2024 tragedy that claimed over 1,000 lives due to heat and unauthorized pilgrims. The ban seeks to prevent illegal overstays and ensure a safe, organized pilgrimage. The measure affects thousands of pilgrims and aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s goal of a secure Hajj season.

Key Points:

Saudi Arabia's Temporary Visa Ban: Saudi Arabia has imposed a visa ban on 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, affecting Umrah, business, and family visit visas. The ban starts after April 13, 2025, and will remain until mid-June 2025, aiming to manage the Hajj season crowd.
Reason for the Ban: The move is a response to the 2024 Hajj tragedy, which saw over 1,000 deaths due to overcrowding and heat. The ban seeks to prevent illegal overstaying and unauthorized participation in Hajj by visitors on non-Hajj visas.
Impact and Objective: The suspension affects thousands of pilgrims from affected countries to ensure a safe, smooth, and well-regulated Hajj pilgrimage, as emphasized by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.