2025 Travel Update: Saudi Arabia Bans Visas for 14 Countries for One Year

Saudi Arabia has temporarily discontinued issuing Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 nations, including Pakistan, Morocco, India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Algeria, Egypt, and many others. The Saudi Government has set April 13, 2025, as the last date for issuing Umrah visas, after which no new Umrah visas will be issued until after the Hajj is completed. The visa ban aims to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation, which will help manage overcrowding and ensure a more secure and well-organized pilgrimage.

Travelers are advised to abide by these rules and regulations because breaching them can result in hefty fines and may lead to a five-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia again. Please note that the visa ban does not affect diplomatic visas, residency permits, or visas authorized explicitly for the Hajj. The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has declared that this ban is a logistical step to ensure a safer and systematically managed pilgrimage and has no relation to diplomatic issues.

There have been circumstances where travelers have entered the Kingdom on tourist and Umrah visas and exceeded their stay permits to perform the Hajj without official authorization. As a result, significant logistical and security issues have occurred. By enforcing these rules, Saudi Arabia aims to address the logistical problem and preserve the integrity of the quota system.

List of Countries Affected by Saudi Arabia Visa Ban

Saudi Arabia imposed the visa ban on 14 nations. The following countries’ citizens will be affected by the temporary visa suspension:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa?

Ans: Follow the steps below to learn how to apply for Saudi Arabia eVisa:

• To begin the process, visit the Saudi Visa official website: www.visa.visitsaudi.com.
• Tap the "Apply Now" button and enter the requested details to proceed further.
• Press the "Create Account" button to submit your details and log into their portal.
• Pay the required visa fee to finalize your personal and passport information.
• Saudi eVisa will send you an eVisa approval email to your registered email ID.

Q: What documents are required to obtain a Saudi Arabia Visa?

Ans: The paperwork requirement varies depending on the visa type. However, the following documents are mandatory to procure a Saudi Arabia Visa:

• An original passport with a validity of at least six months and two successive empty visa pages.
• A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background, with dimensions of 2 x 2 inches.
• A completed and signed copy of the visa application form with proof of the purpose of the visit.
• A visa referral note indicating the number and date of visa issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A copy of the green card or document authorizing legal residence in the U.S. for non-U.S. citizens.

Q: How long does it take to get a Saudi Arabia Visa?

Ans: The visa processing duration varies based on the type of visa, the origin country, and other factors. Generally, Saudi Arabia eVisas obtain approval within 24-48 hours. On the other hand, the standard physical visas may take up to 2-7 business days.

Q:-How long will the Saudi Arabia visa ban be in 2025?

Ans: Saudi Arabia has imposed a visa ban on 14 nations from April 13, 2025, until mid-June, primarily for Umrah, family, and business visit visas.