Saudi Arabia slaps visa restriction on Bangladesh, 13 other countries

Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary visa ban on citizens of 14 countries including Bangladesh during the ongoing Hajj season.

Apart from Bangladesh, the countries under the visa ban are--India, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Nigeria, Jordan, Sudan, Indonesia and Ethiopia.

This restriction will mainly apply to Umrah, business and family visas, Geo News reported. As a result, entry into Saudi Arabia on Umrah visas will be allowed until April 13.

However, this restriction may be lifted by mid-June.

Sources said that violating this temporary ban may result in a restriction on entry and stay in Saudi Arabia for five years for the persons concerned.

Officials also clarified that people holding multi-entry business visas will not be exempted from this restriction.

Travelers from these 14 countries are strongly advised to refrain from planning travel to Saudi Arabia after April 13, even if their visas are valid.