Saudi Arabia bans visas for 14 countries including India; full list - Report

Saudi Arabia visa ban: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has imposed new travel restrictions, suspending the issuance of certain visas to people of 14 countries including Bangladesh, Pakistan and India, as per reports.

However, the suspension does not impact pilgrims from India who are travelling to Saudi Arabia strictly for Hajj and have secured Hajj visas. Pilgrims holding valid Hajj permits or intending to procure one will be allowed to enter Mecca and Medine and participate in the pilgrimage as planned. The suspension specifically targets other visa categories to prevent unauthorised individuals from performing Hajj without proper registration and avoid overcrowding

The ban comes amid efforts to control overcrowding due to the Hajj pilgrimage.

According to multiple media reports, the ban will be in force until mid-June, when the Hajj pilgrimage is set to conclude. The restriction is basically a temporary suspension on the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India. This measure is in effect until mid-June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Which Saudi Arabia visas have been suspended?

Under the new guidelines, Umrah visas, business visit visas and family visit visas have been suspended. Livemint cound not independntly verify these reports and there has been no official comment from the Saudi foreign ministry so far..

The Saudi Arabia visa ban comes as a disappointment to pilgrims from countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, from where thousands of people take the holy pilgrimage.

Why did Saudi Arabia ban visas?

The authorities at Saudi Arabia said that the move has been made to stop people from from trying to perform Hajj without proper registration.

Officials have alleged that citizens from other nations have been visiting Saudi Arabia with Umrah visas or visit visas and overstaying illegally to perform Hajj at holy Mecca.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has ordered authorities to ensure stricter visa regulation enforcements so that the country can conduct a smooth and secure Hajj pilgrimage.

When will Saudi Arabia visa ban start?

Reportedly, individuals from foreign countries will be issued visit visas or Umrah visas till April 13 as part of the new initiative. After that, no new visa will be issued to anyone from the 14 countries in the list

Full list of countries facing Saudi Arabia visa ban

Reports have identified a list of 13 nations that will face Saudi Arabia visa ban. One other country has not been clearly identified. The 13 identified countries are:

1. India

2. Pakistan

3. Bangladesh

4. Egypt

5. Indonesia

6. Iraq

7. Nigeria

8. Jordan

9. Algeria

10. Sudan

11. Ethiopia

12. Tunisia

13. Yemen

Notably, the decision comes after the tragedy during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, where over 1,000 people were killed in the event. Many of these pilgrims were unauthorised. Overcrowding and extreme heat acted as the catalyst behind the tragedy. Saudi Arabia now believes that a visa ban to restrict illegal visitors will facilitate a smooth Hajj pilgrimage, devoid of such tragedies.

(The article will be updated with the Saudi foreign ministry's official statement as soon as it is issued.)