Saudi Arabia imposes temporary visa ban on Pakistan ahead of Hajj season

Saudi authorities have announced a temporary suspension of visas for 14 countries in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season.

The restrictions, which apply to Umrah, business, and family visas, are expected to remain in place until mid-June, according to diplomatic sources.

Officials confirmed that holders of Umrah visas can continue to enter the Kingdom until April 13.

The countries affected by the suspension include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen.

The decision, according to Saudi officials, is primarily aimed at preventing unauthorized participation in Hajj.

In previous years, many visitors with multiple-entry visas remained in the Kingdom during the Hajj season to perform the pilgrimage illegally, causing overcrowding and raising safety concerns.

Authorities have also cited issues of illegal employment, with some travelers on business and family visas reportedly engaging in unauthorised work, thereby violating visa regulations and disrupting the local labor market.

Read more: First Hajj flight from Pakistan to arrive in Saudi Arabia on May 1

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the temporary ban aims to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during the high-demand pilgrimage period.

Officials have urged travellers to comply with the new regulations, warning that violators may face a five-year entry ban.

The latest move underscores Saudi Arabia’s focus on tightening immigration controls and ensuring better management of pilgrims and visitors.

Officials indicated that normal visa issuance processes are expected to resume after mid-June.

In a related development, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently launched a digital guide in 16 languages, including Urdu, to assist pilgrims from various countries.

According to Saudi state media, the guide—available in formats such as PDF and audio—can be accessed via the ministry’s official website.

It provides essential pilgrimage information in languages including Urdu, English, Arabic, Turkish, French, Persian, Uzbek, and Indonesian, to help pilgrims navigate the Hajj experience with ease.