Saudi Arabia has announced the temporary suspension of electronic visas (e-visas) for citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This suspension, which began on April 23 and continues until June 9, 2025, coincides with the annual Muslim pilgrimage season, known as Hajj. Saudi Arabia’s temporary suspension of e-visas aims to streamline Hajj preparations and ensure better crowd management.
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has not yet issued an official announcement regarding the decision. This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to regulate the influx of pilgrims from Central Asia during the busy Hajj season. The aim is to ensure proper vetting and strict adherence to pilgrimage regulations.
While Uzbekistan and Tajikistan face restrictions, residents of the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States remain eligible for visas upon arrival. Additionally, travelers holding valid visas to these regions can still enter Saudi Arabia without complications. This exception reflects Saudi Arabia’s targeted approach to managing pilgrim flows during Hajj.
In Uzbekistan, the suspension coincides with challenges in regulating privately organized pilgrimage tours. Fraudulent Hajj services and unlicensed travel agencies have created problems for travelers. Recently, Tashkent authorities detained a man accused of accepting $23,600 to send four individuals illegally on the Hajj. To address these issues, Uzbekistan plans to launch a single portal for Hajj and Umrah applications by September 2025.
Meanwhile, Tajik citizens face visa restrictions across multiple countries. In August 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stopped issuing visas to male citizens of Tajikistan, citing security concerns. Men applying individually for UAE visas face frequent rejections, while women and family groups continue to receive approvals. Despite the rejections, the UAE has not issued an official statement about the policy change.
Turkiye has also tightened its visa policies for Tajik citizens. In April 2024, Turkiye revoked its visa-free travel agreement with Tajikistan. Previously, Tajik nationals could enter Turkiye without a visa for up to 90 days. The policy change followed a terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall in March 2024, where over 140 people died. The Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for the attack, and four suspects arrested were Tajik nationals. Although Turkish authorities did not directly link the visa suspension to the attack, the timing of the decision fueled speculation.
In response, Tajikistan introduced reciprocal visa requirements for Turkish citizens. This decision removed Turkiye from the list of 52 countries with visa-free access to Tajikistan since January 2022. These diplomatic shifts mark a significant change in travel policies for Tajik nationals.
Saudi Arabia’s temporary suspension of e-visas for Uzbekistan and Tajikistan citizens highlights its commitment to managing Hajj more efficiently. By regulating the entry of pilgrims from Central Asia, Saudi authorities aim to enhance safety, prevent overcrowding, and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
