India among 14 countries to receive temporary travel ban to KSA SAUDI before Hajj
Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary travel ban on 14 countries, including India, ahead of the Hajj season. The ban affects multiple-entry visas for business, tourism, and family visits, and will come into effect from April 13, 2025. The countries affected include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
Effective Date: The restrictions will start on April 13, 2025.
Types of Visas Affected: Umrah, business, and family visit visas are suspended.
Return Deadline for Umrah Visa Holders: Those with Umrah visas must return by April 29, 2025.
Expected Duration: The ban is likely to be lifted by mid-June 2025.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply may result in a five-year ban on re-entry to Saudi Arabia.
Reasons Behind the Ban: The primary reasons for the temporary visa ban include unauthorized participation in Hajj and illegal employment. In the past, individuals have used multiple-entry visas to enter Saudi Arabia and then stayed illegally to perform Hajj, leading to overcrowding and safety risks. Additionally, many travelers engaged in unauthorized work, violating visa conditions and disrupting the labor market.
This decision is expected to disrupt travel plans for thousands of travelers, expatriates, and business professionals from South Asia, North Africa, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Authorities have advised travelers from the affected countries to avoid planning trips to Saudi Arabia beyond mid-April 2025, even if they possess valid visas.
