Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of visit visas, creating widespread concern among international travelers, families, and businesses planning to visit the Kingdom. The move comes as part of the country’s evolving visa and immigration strategy aimed at regulating entry, addressing security concerns, and streamlining internal systems, according to sources familiar with the matter.
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Reason Behind the Suspension
While the Saudi authorities have not released a detailed public statement, sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) suggest that the temporary suspension is due to a combination of reasons:
- System upgrades to their e-visa platforms to improve security and efficiency.
- High influx of visitors in recent months, which may have overwhelmed current capacities.
- Preparation for the upcoming Hajj and Umrah season, which requires a focus on pilgrimage-related visas.
- Possible geopolitical and regional security adjustments, given the sensitive dynamics in the Middle East.
Officials have emphasized that this is a temporary measure, but no specific timeline has been provided for when visit visa services will resume.
Who Is Affected?
The suspension affects various types of visit visas, including:
- Family Visit Visas: Relatives of Saudi residents and citizens who wish to visit temporarily.
- Business Visit Visas: International businesspersons scheduled for meetings, conferences, and trade events.
- Tourist Visas: Visitors planning to explore Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector.
However, Hajj and Umrah visas remain unaffected, with ongoing preparations for the 2025 pilgrimage season.
Impact on Expats and Families
Many expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia have expressed concerns as they had invited family members for visits during the upcoming Ramadan and Eid seasons. The suspension has led to uncertainty and frustration among those who had already applied and were awaiting visa approvals.
Several applicants took to social media platforms to share their disappointment, urging authorities to provide more transparent guidelines and expected dates for resumption.
Fatima Al-Harbi, a resident of Riyadh whose parents were planning to visit from Egypt, said:
“We were looking forward to spending Ramadan together after so long, but now everything is on hold. We hope authorities will allow family reunification soon.”
Travel Industry Reaction
Travel agencies and consultants report a surge in inquiries from worried clients and have been temporarily halting processing of new visit visa applications until further notice.
Ahmed Khan, a manager at a leading visa consultancy in Jeddah, noted:
“We have seen a lot of cancellations and postponements of travel plans. Unfortunately, we are advising clients to wait until an official update is released.”
Possible Timeline for Resumption
Though no official date has been confirmed, experts speculate that visit visas may be reinstated after the Hajj season preparations stabilize, or following completion of system enhancements. Some insiders suggest a possible return of services by mid-2025, but this remains uncertain.
Advice for Applicants and Travelers
For those affected by the suspension, experts advise:
- Monitor official channels: Stay updated with announcements from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Saudi embassies worldwide.
- Hold off on new applications until further notice to avoid rejection or delay.
- Communicate with sponsors and employers in Saudi Arabia for possible alternatives or workarounds, if applicable.
- Consult with licensed visa agents for up-to-date information.
Official Statement Expected Soon
As global attention grows on this issue, it is anticipated that Saudi authorities will release an official clarification in the coming days or weeks. Observers also expect possible exemptions for certain categories, such as urgent medical cases or humanitarian situations.
Saudi Arabia’s Long-term Visa Strategy
The Kingdom has been actively reforming its visa policies over recent years, including launching e-visa platforms, tourism visas, and business facilitation measures as part of its Vision 2030 agenda. This suspension, while temporary, is seen by analysts as part of broader efforts to align visitor inflow with national priorities.