An IMGlobalWealth.com News Report
Saudi Arabia is reported to have suspended visa-on-arrival access for passport holders from 14 countries, in a move that could disrupt Umrah travel and short visits to the Kingdom.
The reports, which appear to be based on an internal immigration circular and traveller accounts, have not been publicly confirmed by Saudi authorities. The affected countries are said to include Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen, India and Iraq.
“In immigration matters, the cost of caution is usually lower than the cost of being turned back at the airport”
If enforced as described, the restriction would affect travellers who might otherwise have expected to qualify for entry on arrival because they hold valid UK, US or Schengen visas or residence permits. Several passengers and travel advisers have warned that airport officials and airlines are already applying the rule, with some travellers reportedly told to obtain a Saudi visa before departure.
The safest course is therefore a simple one: nationals of the affected countries should not travel on assumptions. They should obtain the correct Saudi visa in advance, check with their airline before departure and ensure that their documentation matches the purpose of travel.
Saudi Arabia has tightened pilgrimage-related entry controls before. In 2025, immigration advisers reported temporary restrictions on short-term visas for nationals of 14 countries as the Kingdom sought to manage travel around Hajj. The lists published at the time varied slightly, underlining the need for caution when relying on unofficial or rapidly changing information.
Riyadh’s published tourist e-visa system remains separate. The official Saudi e-visa portal states that citizens of 66 eligible countries may apply online for a one-year, multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for stays of up to 90 days. The same visa may be used for tourism, family visits, leisure and Umrah, but not for Hajj.
Until Saudi authorities publish a fuller clarification, travellers from the reported list should treat visa-on-arrival access as uncertain. In immigration matters, the cost of caution is usually lower than the cost of being turned back at the airport.
