Pakistan Among 14 Countries Facing Saudi Arabia Visa Ban Ahead Of Hajj 2025

Publish Date: 07, Apr 2025

Published BY: Admin

In a significant pre-Hajj 2025 update, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended visit visas for nationals from 14 countries, including Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The visa suspension, effective April 13, 2025, affects multiple-entry and short-term tourist, business, and family visit visas. This move, reportedly aimed at controlling unauthorized pilgrimages and managing crowd control, is expected to impact thousands of travelers planning to visit the Kingdom.

For Pakistani nationals, this update is crucial. Whether you’re planning a religious visit, family reunion, or a business trip to Saudi Arabia, understanding the new visa policy is essential to avoid last-minute cancellations or entry refusals.

Explore the latest Saudi Arabia visa requirements on DropVisa.pk to find current and valid visa categories.

Which Countries Are Affected by the Saudi Visit Visa Ban?

Saudi Arabia has enforced the visa restriction on the following countries:

Pakistan
India
Bangladesh
Egypt
Indonesia
Morocco
Tunisia
Yemen
Iraq
Algeria
Nigeria
Jordan
Ethiopia
Sudan

These countries are no longer eligible for visit visa entry into Saudi Arabia after April 13, 2025, unless travelers hold a work permit (Iqama) or official Hajj visa.

If you're unsure about your eligibility, explore the list of available Saudi visas for Pakistani citizens and avoid planning unauthorized travel.

Why Did Saudi Arabia Suspend Visit Visas?

The ban reportedly stems from a rise in unauthorized Hajj and Umrah pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia on tourist or family visit visas. These actions bypass the official Hajj quota system, creating safety and capacity concerns.

By limiting entry before the Hajj season, the Saudi government aims to:

Prevent illegal Hajj participation on non-Hajj visas
Ensure orderly management of pilgrims during peak months
Maintain health and safety standards for visitors

Multiple-entry visas, often misused for unofficial religious trips, are the key target of this ban.

April 13, 2025 - Final Entry Deadline

If you currently hold a valid Saudi visa for tourism, family, or business purposes, you must enter the Kingdom before April 13, 2025.

Key Rules:

After April 13, entry will be denied—even for unexpired visas
Overstaying or attempting entry after the deadline may lead to a five-year Saudi ban
This policy applies to both single-entry and 1-year multiple-entry visas

Need help with finding alternatives? Learn about the Saudi Arabia 1-Year Multiple Entry Visa and its permitted uses before the cutoff date.

Umrah Visa Deadline for Pakistani Citizens

Travelers with valid Umrah visas are permitted to:

Enter Saudi Arabia before April 13, 2025
Exit the Kingdom by April 29, 2025

Performing Umrah on a visit or tourist visa after these dates is not allowed and may result in fines or future entry bans.

For updated Umrah options, visit: Saudi Umrah Visa from Pakistan

Hajj 2025: Travel Schedule for Pakistani Pilgrims

Despite the visit visa restrictions, the official Hajj pilgrimage under the Government and Private Hajj schemes will proceed as scheduled. The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) has released the full Hajj 2025 plan for Pakistani pilgrims.

Hajj 2025 Flight Schedule

Pre-Hajj Departures: April 29 - May 31, 2025
Airlines Involved: PIA, Saudi Airlines, Airblue, Serene Air, Air Sial
Departure Cities: Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Quetta

Explore the full Hajj facilities and updates on DropVisa.pk.

Reduced Hajj Packages for 2025

The Government of Pakistan has slashed Hajj package costs, offering more accessible options:

40-day Government Hajj Package: Now PKR 1,050,000 (reduction of PKR 25,000)
Short Hajj Package (25 days): Now PKR 1,100,000 (reduction of PKR 50,000)

These price cuts aim to support low and middle-income pilgrims, especially those impacted by rising inflation and travel costs.

Need assistance? Visit our updated Hajj and Umrah visa section for all details.

Impact on Family and Business Travelers from Pakistan

Many Pakistani expatriates and businesspeople frequently travel to Saudi Arabia under family visit, business, or multiple-entry tourist visas. This ban disrupts:

Family visits during Eid and Hajj season
Business trips for trade and conferences
Tourism during Ramadan and religious holidays

To learn more about transit or alternate travel visas, explore:

Saudi Business Visit Visa for Pakistani Nationals
Saudi Transit Visa Options

What Are the Alternatives to Visit Visas?

If you're affected by the ban, consider the following:

Work Permit (Iqama) Visas - For employment and long-term residency
Hajj and Umrah Visas - Offered through registered travel agents only
Transit Visas - For short-term stopovers
Event/Exhibition Visas - May still be allowed under special invitation

Stay updated on Saudi Arabia visa updates to find workarounds and official pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I travel to Saudi Arabia after April 13 with a valid visit visa?
No. All short-term visit visa holders must enter before April 13, 2025, regardless of visa validity.

Q2: Is the ban permanent?
No. It is a temporary restriction expected to be lifted after Hajj 2025 ends.

Q3: Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa now?
Yes, but only until April 13, 2025, and you must exit by April 29, 2025.

Q4: What happens if I try to enter after the deadline?
You may face a five-year entry ban into Saudi Arabia and deportation if caught.

Q5: Will the Hajj flights for Pakistani pilgrims continue as planned?
Yes. The official Hajj operations are unaffected and will run from April 29 to May 31, 2025.

Key Notes

The temporary Saudi Arabia visa suspension for Pakistan and 13 other countries underscores the importance of planning ahead and using official visa channels. Whether you're applying for Umrah, Hajj, business, or transit visas, staying informed is essential.

Use DropVisa.pk to access accurate, up-to-date visa information and ensure you're always compliant with Saudi regulations. From visa guides to travel advisories, we help Pakistanis make informed international travel decisions.