ISLAMABAD – Saudi authorities have debunked widespread social media rumors claiming that the Kingdom imposed visa bans and entry restrictions on citizens from Pakistan and several other countries, providing an official statement to set the record straight.
Speculation online had suggested that Saudi Arabia was barring entry to individuals from nations such as Egypt, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh, with an alleged start date of April 13, 2025, and threats of a five-year entry ban for violations. These unconfirmed reports gained traction across various digital platforms.
In response, the Saudi Tourism Centre firmly denied these assertions, stating that no such visa or entry prohibitions exist. The agency clarified that the only current directive relates to Hajj travel regulations.
Per the official statement, tourist visa holders are prohibited from performing Hajj or entering Makkah from 01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH (April 29 to June 11, 2025). This measure applies exclusively to the Hajj season, ensuring crowd control and safety for pilgrims with valid Hajj visas issued specifically for this religious event.
Saudi officials stressed that these pilgrimage-related rules are distinct from the Kingdom’s broader visa policies, which remain unchanged for general tourism and other visits outside the Hajj period.
The public is urged to rely solely on verified Saudi government sources for accurate information on visa and entry rules, particularly during Hajj season, to steer clear of false narratives.
