UAE Travel and Umrah Firms Await Clarity on Saudi Hajj Visa Ban

UAE Travel Agents and Umrah Operators Await Clarity on Saudi Hajj Visa Suspension

Saudi Arabia recently decided to halt the issuing of visas before the Hajj season, and travel brokers and Umrah operators in the United Arab Emirates are looking for clear advice. For thousands of locals who intend to make pilgrimage trips in the upcoming weeks, the decision has affected their plans.

According to local agencies, applications for all types of Saudi visas — including Umrah, family visit, single-entry, and multiple-entry — have been halted temporarily. As a result, pilgrims and travel agencies are becoming increasingly concerned.

According to Saudi authorities, pilgrims performing the Umrah must arrive in the Kingdom by April 13 at the latest, and those who are already there must leave by April 29. Even people with valid multiple-entry visas are subject to the new entry and exit restrictions.

Several countries are impacted by the temporary ban on visa issuance, including Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. It appears to be an effort to limit pilgrims and prevent unauthorized stays during the Hajj season.

Travel agencies are warning that visitors who remain after April 29 could face a fine of SAR 100,000, a significant increase from the previous fine of SAR 25,000.

The companies that organize these trips will face consequences such as the suspension of their pilgrimage quotas.

The Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and 9, 2025, based on the Islamic calendar. Visa issuance is likely to resume after Dhul Hijjah 20, which corresponds to mid-July 2025.

Until further notice, UAE-based pilgrims and operators are left in a holding pattern, waiting for official updates from Saudi authorities to proceed with travel arrangements.