Saudi Arabia temporarily closes online visa service for Uzbekistan: why?

The Saudi Arabian government has temporarily suspended the possibility of obtaining electronic tourist visas for citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This was announced by the country's Ministry of Tourism.

In particular, from April 23 to June 9, the service of issuing electronic visas to citizens of these two countries will be temporarily suspended. Saudi Arabian officials emphasize that this restriction is related to the Hajj season.

“Due to the Hajj season, citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan will temporarily not be able to use the opportunity to obtain electronic tourist visas from April 23 to June 9. Those wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia during this period can obtain a visa through Saudi embassies or other official representations in their countries,” the country’s Ministry of Tourism said in a statement to Daryo.

At the same time, it was also stated that tourists with valid Schengen, UK and US visas, as well as residents of the European Union, UK or US with a residence permit, will be able to obtain a visa directly at the country’s entry points when visiting Saudi Arabia.

As is known, in August 2023, citizens of Uzbekistan began to be issued with an electronic tourist visa to Saudi Arabia. This visa could be obtained through the portal of the country's Ministry of Tourism for $ 146, and its validity period was 90 days. The tourist visa was allowed to be used for Umrah pilgrimage and travel within the country.

It is worth recalling that the quota allocated to Uzbekistan for the 2025 Hajj season is 15 thousand people.

In mid-April, a person was detained in Tashkent who illegally received $ 23.6 thousand from four people, promising to send them on the Hajj pilgrimage. Special operational measures were also taken in the capital to curb the activities of fake travel agencies.

In addition, Uzbekistan plans to develop a "Single Portal for Hajj and Umrah" and a mobile application by September 1, 2025. This new system is aimed at making Hajj and Umrah-related services more convenient for pilgrims and reducing unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!