Saudi Arabia has imposed temporary visa restrictions on Pakistanis and citizens of 13 other countries ahead of Hajj 2025, while reports on UAE actions remain unclear from available details.
## Saudi Arabia Visa Ban
Authorities paused issuing Umrah, business, and family visit visas starting April 13, 2025, to curb overcrowding and block unauthorized Hajj pilgrims. The suspension lasts until mid-June 2025, post-Hajj, affecting nations like India, Egypt, Yemen, Nigeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya. Those already in the country needed to exit by April 13 to dodge penalties, with single-entry 30-day visas now the sole option since February 2025.
## Affected Visa Types
- Umrah visas (applications closed April 13, 2025)
- Business visit visas (single- and multiple-entry)
- Family visit and e-tourist visas
Hajj, Umrah registration, diplomatic, and residency visas stay unaffected.
## UAE Status
Limited info suggests Pakistanis should review travel plans to UAE, but no confirmed full ban details emerged beyond initial advisories.
**Author's summary:** Saudi Arabia temporarily halts short-term visas for Pakistanis and 13 others until after Hajj 2025 to ensure safety, while UAE prompts travel rethink without clear ban confirmation (148 characters).
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Firstpost — 2025-11-28