The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Dushanbe has confirmed that the removal of Tajikistan from the list of countries whose citizens can obtain electronic tourist visas (eVisa) is related to preparations for the 2025 Hajj season.
As a representative of the Saudi Embassy told Asia-Plus, Tajikistan remains a member of Group "A". However, due to the need to resolve issues related to the Hajj, the issuance of tourist visas to Tajik citizens has been temporarily suspended.
The embassy also added that after the Hajj season ends, the tourist visa system for Tajik citizens will be restored, and Tajikistan will reappear on the list of countries eligible for eVisa.
It should be recalled that Saudi Arabia removed Tajikistan from the list of countries whose citizens can obtain electronic tourist visas (eVisa) at the end of April,.
On the official website of the Kingdom, Tajikistan is no longer listed among such countries. In addition to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan also disappeared from the list, while Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan remain on the eVisa list.
Saudi Arabia’s electronic tourist visa (eVisa) is valid for one year and allows tourists to stay in the country for up to 90 days. This visa can be used for travel, leisure, visiting relatives, and performing Umrah.
In August 2023, Saudi Arabia simplified the visa procedure for citizens of Tajikistan and seven other countries, including Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, by including them in the eVisa system.
New Hajj regulations
Recently, Saudi Arabia introduced new rules for the 2025 Hajj: no one will be able to perform the Hajj without a special pilgrimage visa.
Representatives of Tajikistan’s Committee on Religion Affairs (CRA) explained the changes to Asia-Plus, noting that previously, Tajik pilgrims would travel to Saudi Arabia through travel companies from other countries, violating the law and performing Hajj illegally.
According to new regulations published by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior, starting April 29, 2025, only those with a special Hajj visa will be allowed into Mecca and Medina.
Thus, citizens of Tajikistan traveling with companies from other countries will no longer be able to legally visit Mecca.
“Citizens of Tajikistan mostly travel for Umrah (minor pilgrimage) through neighboring countries (Uzbekistan and Russia), and some of them illegally remain there until the main Hajj. This will no longer be possible. With a tourist or business visa, our citizens will no longer be able to perform Hajj rituals, and if they do, they will face strict penalties,” the CRA previously stated.
The CRA noted that many citizens, seeking cheaper services, turned to travel agencies in neighboring countries but often ended up being deceived. Now, by decision of Saudi Arabia, such pilgrims will not be able to enter Mecca.
According to Saudi Arabia’s new rules, those who attempt to perform Hajj illegally face fines, arrest for up to 6 months, and deportation with a 10-year ban on re-entry.
Tajikistan’s CRA urges citizens not to go on Hajj through foreign companies to avoid problems.
This year, Hajj will cost citizens of Tajikistan 56,800 somonis, and payments can be made through Orienbonk.
Saudi Arabia has allocated 7,000 Hajj quotas for Tajikistan this year.
Over the past 20 years, about 40 million Muslims from different countries have performed Hajj.
