Saudi Arabia has formally withdrawn its interim ban on short-term visas for nationals of 14 countries, including Pakistan, following the smooth completion of Hajj 2025. This suspension, which had been in effect since April 2025, was a calculated step to reduce illegal entry into the holy towns and better control pilgrim traffic at periods of high Hajj. Now that the Hajj season is over, officials are indicating that travel operations for a variety of short-term, non-work visits will resume normally.
For several months, Saudi authorities had halted the issuance of several categories of short-term visas such as Umrah visas, business visit visas, family visit visas, and in some cases, even tourist visas for nationals of the affected countries. This measure was introduced to:
- Prevent overcrowding and better coordinate pilgrim entries.
- Ensure that only individuals with valid Hajj permits could enter the Kingdom during the peak season.
- Enhance overall safety by reducing the risks associated with unmanaged influxes of visitors.
The 14 countries affected by this temporary ban included, among others, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and several nations from the Middle East and Africa. The decision was driven in part by past incidents where unauthorized travelers had entered Mecca and other cities under non-pilgrimage visa categories, sometimes leading to logistical challenges and safety issues.
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With Hajj 2025 successfully completed and improved digital as well as on-ground services having contributed to a well-organized pilgrimage, Saudi authorities have now decided to reinstate the issuance of short-term travel visas. Nationals from the 14 countries can once again apply for:
- Umrah Visas: Allowing for religious visits outside the Hajj season.
- Business and Family Visit Visas: Enabling travel related to work and familial or social engagements.
- Tourist Visas: In cases where the suspension had impacted the flow of tourists.
It is important to note, however, that while the short-term visa categories are back in action, the suspension on Block Work Visas—which allow companies to recruit foreign labor—remains in effect for the same group of countries until further notice. This continued restriction is aimed at regulating labor migration and ensuring the employment of local Saudi citizens as part of the Kingdom’s broader vision for economic transformation.
Safety and Enforcement Measures
Alongside the policy reversal, Saudi authorities have reiterated strict penalties for any visa overstay. These measures include:
- Deportation proceedings for those who remain beyond their authorized period.
- Penalties of up to 50,000 SAR.
- Possible imprisonment for prolonged or repeat violations.
These stringent enforcement policies are part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the significant number of pilgrims and tourists more than 1.6 million in Hajj 2025 can be managed safely and efficiently.
As preparations are already underway for Hajj 2026, experts and officials believe that these adjustments in visa policies mark a significant step toward balancing the need for open travel with the imperatives of security and regulated migration.