Saudi Arabia Enforces Visa Restrictions for Indonesia, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria and Other Countries Amid Hajj Season: What You Need to Know

Saudi Arabia has introduced significant temporary entry and exit restrictions affecting nationals from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen who hold or apply for visit visas related to business, tourism, or family visits.

These measures align with the Hajj season timeline and are designed to manage travel flows during this period.

This update consolidates guidance from immigration authorities and visa agents on the ground and refers to official Saudi government portals and regulations concerning visa issuance and border control.

Current Status of Visit Visa Holders

According to reports from visa agencies and observations by immigration professionals in Saudi Arabia, nationals from the aforementioned countries who already possess valid visit visas can generally continue to enter and exit Saudi Arabia.

However, entry decisions ultimately rest with Saudi immigration authorities, and individual travelers have experienced denials of boarding by airlines or refusals of entry upon arrival.

Some visit visa holders have also been notified to depart by a specific date, reflecting increased scrutiny.

These developments echo information available from the Saudi Ministry of Interior and the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Civil Aviation, which emphasize that visa holders must comply strictly with entry, exit, and validity conditions stipulated in Saudi law.

Temporary Suspension on New Visit Visa Issuance

A key component of the new restrictions is the ongoing suspension on the issuance of new visit visas—covering business, tourism, and family visits—for nationals from the identified countries. This suspension was reported by various media outlets and visa processing agencies and is expected to remain effective until the end of June 2025.

This timeframe corresponds with the conclusion of the Hajj season, the Islamic pilgrimage attracting millions of visitors annually and prompting Saudi Arabia to regulate cross-border movements carefully to maintain public safety and order during this peak travel period.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah coordinates these measures in close consultation with immigration and health authorities.

Mandatory Exit Deadlines for Current Visitors

A critical deadline imposed under these restrictions is April 13, 2025, by which all affected nationals currently present in Saudi Arabia on visit visas must exit the country. Authorities have issued clear warnings that failure to comply by this date may result in fines and future bans on entry into Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry of Interior has reiterated through its official channels that visitors must adhere to these exit requirements regardless of the expiration date indicated on their visas.

This approach is designed to facilitate controlled border management during the Hajj and Umrah seasons while mitigating risks associated with overstaying.

Umrah Pilgrims’ Specific Deadline

Separate from the visit visa restrictions, Umrah pilgrims—who perform the minor pilgrimage outside of the Hajj season—have been given a formal deadline to leave Saudi Arabia by April 29, 2025.

This is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to manage pilgrimage-related flows effectively and ensure that capacity and health protocols are maintained throughout the year.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provides official updates and guidelines for pilgrims at haj.gov.sa. The Umrah regulations reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to facilitating safe religious tourism while balancing public health considerations.

Recent Policy Changes and Broader Context

The April 2025 entry and exit restrictions follow earlier measures introduced in February 2025, which placed limits on one-year multiple-entry visit visas for nationals from the same group of countries. This earlier policy aimed to tighten oversight of long-term travel permissions amid evolving geopolitical and public health dynamics.

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) regularly updates visa regulations on its portal emphasizing that visa issuance and entry permission remain discretionary powers exercised by the Kingdom’s immigration authorities.

Implications for Travelers and Businesses

For nationals of the affected countries, the current restrictions necessitate careful planning and compliance. Travelers holding visit visas for business, tourism, or family visits should monitor official Saudi portals and liaise with authorized visa agencies to stay informed about potential changes or extensions to restrictions.

Businesses reliant on cross-border movement—such as international trade, tourism operators, and expatriate services—may experience disruptions due to the suspension of new visa issuance and the mandatory exit requirements. Companies are advised to coordinate with legal and immigration experts to navigate the evolving landscape.

Enforcement and Compliance

Saudi authorities have emphasized enforcement of these temporary measures with fines imposed on overstayers and bans on future entry. According to the Ministry of Interior, individuals who do not exit by the prescribed deadline risk penalties that can impact their ability to return to Saudi Arabia for work, pilgrimage, or personal reasons.

Compliance is critical to avoid legal complications. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies abroad routinely issue travel advisories and updates for their nationals regarding visa conditions and border regulations.

Monitoring and Updates

Organizations such as Fragomen, a global immigration services provider, continue to actively monitor these developments and disseminate timely updates.

Travelers and stakeholders are encouraged to consult official Saudi government websites and verified visa agencies regularly for the latest guidance.

Summary of Key Dates and Restrictions

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s temporary restrictions on visit visa issuance and mandatory exit requirements for nationals of selected countries reflect the Kingdom’s strategic approach to managing cross-border flows amid the Hajj and Umrah seasons. While these measures may pose challenges for travelers and businesses, they are designed to maintain security, public health, and orderly immigration processes during critical periods.

Affected individuals are urged to remain vigilant, comply fully with exit deadlines, and consult official sources to avoid penalties and ensure future travel opportunities to Saudi Arabia.

Source: fragomen