Fake News Alert: Saudi Arabia Has NOT Banned PAKISTAN or 13 Other Countries!

Saudi Arabia authorities have denied issuing a viral memo notifying travellers of visa restrictions and an entry ban. 

The memo named Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, and Algeria among the countries facing the restrictions.

The document added that citizens from the listed countries would not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia from the effective date even if they hold valid visas. “Non-compliance may result in a 5-year ban from entering KSA,” the statement said.

However, the Saudi Tourism Centre debunked the document as unofficial when contacted.

“Anyone holding a Tourist visa is not permitted to perform Hajj, enter or stay inside Makkah during 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (29 April to 11 June 2025 AD),” the Saudi agency said on Thursday.

The Saudi hajj visa is granted exclusively for the hajj pilgrimage and is valid only during the Muslim holy period. Muslims seeking to visit Saudi Arabia are required to apply for a hajj visa other than a tourist visa.

FACTS: February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia has suspended the issuance of one-year multiple-entry visas for travelers from 14 countries, including India and Pakistan. This decision aims to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrimages and enhance crowd management during the annual religious event.

Key Changes in Visa Policy

• Single-Entry Visas Only: Travelers from the affected countries can now obtain only single-entry visas valid for 30 days, replacing the previously available one-year multiple-entry visas. ​

• Affected Countries: The nations impacted by this policy include:​

  • Algeria​

  • Bangladesh​

  • Egypt​

  • Ethiopia​

  • India​

  • Indonesia​

  • Iraq​

  • Jordan​

  • Morocco​

  • Nigeria​

  • Pakistan 

  • Sudan​

  • Tunisia​

  • Yemen ​

• Exemptions: This policy does not affect Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas. ​

Rationale Behind the Policy Change

Saudi authorities have cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a significant concern. Some visitors reportedly overstayed their visas to work illegally or performed Hajj without proper authorization, leading to overcrowding and safety issues during the pilgrimage. 

In 2024, unauthorized pilgrims contributed to severe overcrowding, resulting in over 1,200 deaths due to extreme heat and congestion. By restricting visas to single entries, the government aims to ensure that only authorized pilgrims participate in Hajj, thereby enhancing safety and crowd management. 

Implications for Travelers

Travelers from the affected countries should take note of the following: 

• Advance Planning: Apply for single-entry visas well ahead of planned travel dates to accommodate processing times.​

• Compliance: Adhere strictly to the visa terms to avoid penalties or travel disruptions. 

• Stay Informed: Regularly check official Saudi channels for updates on visa policies.​

While officials have described this suspension of multiple-entry visas as a temporary measure, no specific timeline has been provided for its review. The government plans to assess the impact of the new policy before considering further actions. ​

This policy underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regulating pilgrimage activities and ensuring the safety and security of all visitors during the Hajj season.