Saudi Visa Closed In Ramadan?

Are Saudi Visa Closed? No! The visa system remains fully operational year-round (Except Hajj), despite alarming claims by unscrupulous travel agents that visas are “closed.” This widespread misinformation primarily targets applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries as a deceptive tactic used by agents to artificially inflate visa fees by up to 10 times their normal cost when quota allocations run low. Unlike travellers from Western nations who can apply directly through the official e-visa system, many South Asian applicants must rely on authorised agents, making them vulnerable to exploitation and unnecessary financial burden.

Before planning your trip to Saudi Arabia, be sure to read our informative articles on Saudi Vision 2030 and Saudi Currency Conversion Guide to enhance your travel experience.

Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Official Visa Quota System in 2025

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia operates on a structured quota-based visa system for many countries. This system allocates a specific number of visas per country, which is managed through authorized travel agents in nations where direct application isn’t available.

Key facts about the Saudi visa quota system:

• Quotas are refreshed periodically throughout the year by the Saudi government
• The Visa system operates continuously for eligible nationalities
• Only specific visa types face temporary closures (primarily Umrah visas)
• Quota limitations may affect processing time but rarely result in complete “closure”
• The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains control over all visa allocations

When Are Saudi Visas Closed/ Temporarily Suspended?

There are legitimate periods when certain Saudi visa types are temporarily unavailable:

1. Umrah Visa Suspension: Typically suspended approximately one month before Hajj season begins
2. Hajj Period Restrictions: During the Hajj period, non-Hajj visas face additional scrutiny
3. Rare Policy Changes: Occasionally, visa policies may be adjusted due to diplomatic, security, or health concerns

Outside these specific circumstances, the claim that “Saudi visas are closed” is almost always false information designed to manipulate travellers. For official Hajj and Umrah information, you can refer to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website.

The Saudi Visa Price Gouging Scheme Exposed

When quota allocations for countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh begin to reach their limits, some unethical travel agents employ a calculated strategy:

1. Spread alarming rumors that visas are “completely closed” by Saudi authorities
2. Create artificial scarcity and panic among potential travelers planning trips
3. Offer “special connections” to obtain Saudi visas despite the supposed closure
4. Charge 5-10 times the standard visa fee for this “exclusive service”

In reality, these agents are simply accessing the remaining quota allocations that haven’t actually been suspended by Saudi Arabia. Travel forums like TripAdvisor’s Saudi Arabia section ften contain reports from travelers who have encountered these practices or you can ask any question in our community and our experienced admins or guests will help you! (Click here)

How Western Travellers Easily Obtain Saudi Visas Without Scams

Citizens from many Western countries enjoy a more transparent Saudi visa process:

• Direct access to Saudi Arabia’s official e-visa portal
• Clear eligibility status shown during application process
• No intermediaries required to determine visa availability
• Straightforward rejection or approval without ambiguity or extra fees

This direct system eliminates the information asymmetry that enables price gouging in other regions seeking Saudi visas. The Visit Saudi official tourism website provides clear guidance for eligible travellers.

Essential Tips for Protecting Yourself From Saudi Visa Scams

If you’re applying for a Saudi visa from a country without direct e-visa access:

• Verify Saudi visa status through multiple official sources
• Contact the Saudi embassy or consulate directly when possible
• Compare quotes from several authorized travel agents before paying
• Report agents who claim they have “special access” during supposed closures
• Be especially skeptical of dramatically increased prices for Saudi visas
• Check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for announcements

Conclusion: Getting Your Legitimate Saudi Visa Without Overpaying

The Saudi visa system rarely “closes” completely for any nationality. When facing claims of visa unavailability coupled with offers of high-priced “special access,” travelers should be skeptical and seek verification from official Saudi government sources. The Kingdom continues to welcome visitors throughout the year, with only specific, predictable exceptions during the Hajj season. Don’t let unethical travel agents exploit your travel plans through misinformation and artificial scarcity tactics. Always verify Saudi visa status through official channels before paying premium fees.

Planning your trip to Saudi Arabia? Don’t miss our detailed guides on Saudi Vision 2030 and Trip to Riyadh (GUIDE) to understand the country’s transformation and Saudi Currency to manage your finances effectively during your visit.