Saudi Arabia has slapped a temporary visa ban on 14 countries, including Pakistan, before the Hajj 2025 season.
Sources confirmed on Sunday that restrictions related to Umrah, business, and family visas are now in effect and are expected to be lifted in mid-June. Diplomatic insiders report that Umrah visa holders can enter the country until April 13, but Pakistani nationals must exit by April 29.
The ban affects Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen. Saudi officials have formally notified all affected countries.
Welcome to purana Pakistan
سعودیہ نے ورک ویزوں کے علاوہ باقی تمام قسم کے ویزوں پر پابندی عائد کر دی ہے جن کے پاس بزنس اور ملٹی پل انٹری ویزے بھی ہیں وہ بھی ۱۳ اپریل کے بعد سفر نہیں کر سکیں گے pic.twitter.com/cLNJIBf8wz
— 𝐼𝓂𝓇𝒶𝓃 𝐿𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓀𝒶 (@Lalika79) April 4, 2025The move aims to streamline operations for the Hajj, but sources warn of a potential five-year travel ban despite the ongoing visa freeze. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has approved the Hajj flight schedule. 89,000 pilgrims will depart via five airlines, with live updates on the Pak Hajj app starting today. Flights will commence on April 29 from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Multan and conclude by May 31.
Pilgrims are required to be vaccinated at least 10 days prior at designated Haji camps, with the second phase of training beginning on April 8. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will conduct pre-Hajj operations from April 29 to June 1, transporting 56,000 pilgrims on 280 flights. Post-Hajj flights will run from June 12 to July 10.
Read: UAE Visa Fraud by Pakistani Citizens Exposed
This year, 179,210 Pakistanis are set to perform Hajj. The costs have decreased: 40-day packages are now priced at Rs1,050,000 (a reduction of Rs25,000), while 25-day short packages are Rs1,100,000 (down by Rs50,000). Despite Saudi Arabia’s visa ban affecting travel, Pakistan’s Hajj preparations continue, balancing faith and logistics.
