Dubai [ UAE ], April 8 (ANI): Saudi Arabia has declared a brief pause on granting new short-term visa as for residents from 14 nations -- including India , Pakistan , and Egypt — as part of their initiatives to improve traveler management before the approaching Hajj season, according to Gulf News reports.
Effective from April 13th, this suspension will cover business visit visas (including both one-time and multiple entries), electronic tourist visas, as well as family visit visas. The travel restrictions also impact citizens of additional nations such as Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.
As stated by Saudi authorities, individuals from affected nations with current, valid visas can continue to enter the country up until April 13, but they must depart by April 29 at the latest, according to reports from Gulf News.
This decision has been made due to the logistical challenges and congestion faced during the previous Hajj season, where many travelers arrived with regular visas instead of those designated for Hajj purposes. Officials have implemented this measure to enhance management and guarantee a smoother and safer religious journey this time around.
Basil Al Sisi, a representative from Egypt’s Chamber of Tourism Companies, stated in a TV interview, “The authorities have pinpointed the nations that were involved in causing the issue last year,” alluding to people who participated in the Hajj using temporary or non-dedicated visa categories.
In a related update, Saudi Arabia has released updated directives for Umrah visa issuance and travel. The new regulations state that Umrah visas will be issued each year starting on the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah and will close by the 1st of Shawwal. Entry for Umrah pilgrims will be permitted from Dhu Al Hijjah 14 until Shawwal 15, and all pilgrims must exit by the 1st of Dhu Al Qa'dah, Gulf News reported.
The Kingdom has reiterated that all individuals performing religious pilgrimages must obtain the appropriate visa type and warned of legal consequences for those who fail to comply. (ANI)