Suspension of Saudi e-visas for nationals of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan

Saudi Arabia has suspended the issue of electronic visas for citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, according to the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. From now on, nationals of these two countries are no longer among the nationalities eligible to obtain a visa online to enter the kingdom.

Background to the suspension

• This measure concerns both electronic tourist visas and those issued for the Umrah pilgrimagewhich were previously accessible via a simplified online procedure.
• The suspension would be temporary and would apply from April 23 to June 9, 2025, a period that coincides with preparations for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Although no official public statement has been issued by the Saudi government, the suspension is explicitly linked to the management of the flow of pilgrims during the Hajj season, in order to avoid abuse and respect the pilgrim quotas allocated to each country. This decision also comes against a backdrop of the fight against fraud linked to the organization of the Hajj, with recent cases of illegal travel agencies having been reported in Uzbekistan.

Alternatives

• Citizens already holding a valid Schengen, UK or US visa, or residing in the EU, UK or US, can still obtain a visa on arrival at Saudi entry points.
• During this period, Uzbek and Tajik travellers wishing to visit Saudi Arabia must submit their visa applications to Saudi embassies or approved visa centers in their country of residence.

Recent developments in visa policy

• Uzbek and Tajik citizens had enjoyed the possibility of applying for a Saudi e-visa since August 2023, allowing them to travel for tourism or Umrah for up to 90 days.
• This suspension is not unprecedented: it is common practice for Saudi Arabia to temporarily restrict certain types of visa in the run-up to the Hajj to better manage the massive influx of visitors.

The Uzbek authorities plan to simplify the pilgrimage process in the future with the creation of a single portal for Hajj and Umrah, expected by September 2025, to reduce bureaucracy and the risk of fraud.

In short, the temporary suspension of e-visas for citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is intended to provide a framework for the Hajj season and prevent abuse, while maintaining alternatives for certain travelers with specific visas or residency status.

Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia
• Uzbekistan
• Tajikistan

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