Saudi Arabia has removed Tajikistan from the list of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for electronic tourist visas (eVisas).

On the Kingdom’s official website, Tajikistan is no longer included among eligible nations.

Uzbekistan has also been removed from the list.  Meanwhile, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan remain eligible.

The reason for this decision is currently unknown: as of the time of publication, Saudi authorities had not provided any official explanation.  Asia-Plus news agency was also unable to obtain a comment from the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Tajikistan.

Attempts to reach the Information Department of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were unsuccessful as well.

Saudi Arabia's electronic tourist visa (eVisa) is issued for a period of one year and allows tourists to stay in the country for up to 90 days.   It can be used for travel, leisure, visiting relatives, and performing Umrah.

In August 2023, Saudi Arabia had simplified the visa procedure for citizens of Tajikistan and seven other countries, including Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, by adding them to the electronic visa system (eVisa).