Saudi Arabia Bans Visas for India and 13 Other Countries: Here’s Why

Producer: Priyanka Das Editor: Nisha Dubey | April 07, 2025

The Saudi Arabian government has announced new travel restrictions, suspending the issuance of certain visas to people of 14 countries including India.

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The issuance of three types of visas – Umrah visa, Business visa and Family Visit visa – have been halted by Saudi Arabia.

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The ban comes in effect from April 13, 2025, and will remain in effect until mid-June.

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Saudi officials allege that citizens from other nations have been visiting Saudi Arabia with Umrah or Family Visit visas, and overstaying illegally to perform Hajj at Mecca.

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The 14 countries impacted by the new travel restriction are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen and Morocco.

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It is to be noted that over 1,000 pilgrims were killed during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, many of whom were unauthorised.

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