Temporary Suspension of Short-Term Visas for 14 Countries by Saudi Arabia
Managing Tourist Arrivals Prior to Hajj Pilgrimage
To regulate tourist arrivals before the Hajj pilgrimage in June, Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary halt on short-term visas for citizens from 14 countries, as reported by Gulf News on Monday.
Countries Impacted by the Short-Term Visa Suspension
- India
- Egypt
- Pakistan
- Yemen
- Tunisia
- Morocco
- Jordan
- Nigeria
- Algeria
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Sudan
- Bangladesh
- Libya
Effective from April 13, this ban includes business visit visas, e-tourist visas, and family visit visas.
Visa Validity and Legal Consequences
Travelers from these countries with valid visas can still enter the country until April 13 but must leave by April 29. Overstaying past this date is considered a violation, subject to legal penalties, according to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The Hajj Pilgrimage
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five essential obligations of Islam that Muslims with the means are expected to fulfill at least once in their lifetime. This ritual lasts several days and concludes in Mecca.
This year, the Hajj pilgrimage is scheduled to start on June 6 and end on June 11, depending on the moon’s position according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
Fines for Entering Mecca Without a Valid Hajj Permit
The Saudi Arabian tourism ministry has announced a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals (over Rs 2.27 lakh) for anyone who attempts to enter Mecca without a valid Hajj permit, whether they are a citizen, resident, or visitor.
Securing the Correct Visa for Religious Travel
Authorities have emphasized the importance of obtaining the appropriate visa for religious travel and warned of legal consequences for non-compliance. Last year’s crisis was attributed to people using short-term or non-Hajj-specific visas for the pilgrimage.
The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage resulted in the death of at least 900 pilgrims, primarily due to heat exhaustion and related complications.
