Visa Delays Expected for Ramadan and Eid Across 26 Countries

If you intend to apply for a visa, renew a work permit, or process residency in March 2026, this information is vital.

In approximately 26 nations throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye, and various regions of Asia, government facilities will likely operate for fewer hours during Ramadan and may close for several days during Eid al-Fitr. This typically results in delayed immigration processing.

This occurrence is familiar to foreign nationals and their employers, as it is a regular annual event. However, processing times can extend beyond expectations, particularly during the final days of Ramadan.

When Will Ramadan Occur in 2026?

In 2026, Ramadan is projected to start on February 18 or 19 and conclude on March 19 or 20.

The precise dates will depend on lunar observations, and each nation will announce its dates separately. Eid al-Fitr, which signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, is expected to happen around March 19 to 21, contingent on lunar visibility.

The last week is generally when the most significant visa delays occur.

Reasons for Slow Immigration Processing

During Ramadan:

• Government institutions typically have shortened work hours
• Online services may close earlier than usual
• There are fewer personnel available for face-to-face assistance

This can impact visa seekers, work permit holders, and businesses sponsoring foreign employees by affecting:

• Approval of residence permits
• Processing of work visas
• Issuance of immigration cards
• Document verification and stamping

If your deadline is in late March, make sure to allocate extra time.

Country-by-Country Overview of Ramadan Visa Delays

Here’s a straightforward summary. Operating hours adjust during Ramadan, and many locations will close for a few days around Eid al-Fitr (approximately March 20).

This is a simple outline of operating hours and anticipated closures.

1. Algeria

Visa and residence permit processes in Algeria may experience slowdown during Ramadan due to shortened hours. Anticipate a halt in approvals and document processing during Eid closure periods.

• Operating hours: 8:00 to 15:30 in northern regions, 8:00 to 14:00 in southern areas
• Anticipated Eid closure: Approximately March 20 to March 23

2. Azerbaijan

Due to overlapping festivities, immigration and visa processing in Azerbaijan may see extended delays compared to normal. Submissions made in mid to late March could take additional time.

• Closure expects: March 20 to 26 for Nowruz
• Extra closures: Approximately March 20 to 21 and possibly March 27 to 30 for Ramadan

3. Bangladesh

Shortened hours and several closure days may hinder work visa and permit renewals. Prepare for a slower response in March.

• Operating hours: 9:00 to 15:30
• Closures: March 17 and March 19 to 23

4. Bahrain

Reduced hours during Ramadan and Eid holidays could postpone visa stamping and residence permit services, especially during the week leading up to the holiday.

• Anticipated Eid closure: Around March 20 to March 23

5. Brunei

Early closing times may delay approvals for work passes and immigration. It’s wise to submit applications earlier in the day.

• Expected closure: First day of Ramadan
• Early closing: Around 14:00 during Ramadan
• Possible closures: February 19, February 23, and around March 21

6. Côte d’Ivoire

Visa processing may experience pauses during these closure days. Anticipate slight delays during the Eid period.

• Closed: March 17 for Ramadan
• Eid closure: March 19 or 20

7. Egypt

Reduced work hours typically lead to slower processing. Applications for residence and work permits may take longer than usual.

• Operating hours: 9:00 to 14:00
• Expected Eid closure: Around March 20 to March 23

8. Indonesia

Even if offices are open, early cut-off times for systems may delay submissions for stay permits and work visas during Ramadan.

• Online services: Regularly shut around 15:00
• ITAS submissions: Might cease between 14:30 and 15:00

9. Iraq

Immigration processing in Iraq may decrease throughout Ramadan and completely halt during Eid holidays. Therefore, expect prolonged timeframes.

• Operating hours: 8:00 to 14:00
• Expected Eid closure: Approximately March 20 to March 24

10. Iraqi Kurdistan

Shortened daily hours and holiday closures might slow the approval process for visas and the issuance of residency cards.

• Operating hours: 8:00 to 14:30
• Expected Eid closure: Approximately March 20 to March 24

11. Jordan

Shortened schedules might impact visa renewals and work permits in Jordan. The final week of Ramadan usually sees increased delays.

• Operating hours: 9:30 to 15:00
• Expected Eid closure: Approximately March 19 to March 24

12. Kenya

The immigration offices in Kenya will close during Eid, which may pause visa processing during the holiday.

• Eid closure: To be confirmed based on lunar observations

13. Kuwait

Kuwait’s reduced hours, coupled with Eid closures, could postpone work visa and residency applications.

• Operating hours: 9:30 to 14:00
• Expected Eid closure: Approximately March 20 to March 23 or 24

14. Lebanon

In Lebanon, processing times for visa and permit renewals may lengthen due to reduced office hours.

• Operating hours: 9:00 to 14:00, shorter on Fridays
• Expected Eid closure: Around March 20 to March 23

15. Mauritania

Complete closures of offices during Eid will lead to a temporary halt of visa-related services.

• Working hours: 9:00 to 16:00
• Closed: March 19 and 20

16. Morocco

Slower processing times during Ramadan and a brief stop during Eid are expected.

• Operating hours: 9:00 to 15:00
• Expected Eid closure: Around March 20 to March 23

17. Oman

Visa and residence application processing in Oman might significantly slow during the holiday week.

• Operating hours: 9:00 to 14:00
• Expected Eid closure: Around March 20 to March 24

18. Pakistan

Immigration and visa operations will be suspended during Eid, with processing slowing down in the days leading up to the holidays.

• Operating hours: 9:00 to 15:00, shorter on Fridays
• Closed: March 21 to March 24

19. Qatar

For those applying for a Qatar visa, submissions made close to Eid might remain pending until government offices reopen.

• Operating hours: 9:00 to 14:00
• Expected Eid closure: From March 18
• Reopening: Around March 24

20. Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan usually results in a slowdown of governmental activities, with services fully halting during Eid.

• Operating hours: 10:00 to 15:00
• Expected Eid closure: Around March 20 to March 24

21. Senegal

Visa and immigration operations might briefly stop during Eid, dependent on the confirmed date.

• Operating hours: 9:00 to 16:00
• Eid closure: March 19 or 20

22. Sierra Leone

Despite unchanged daily hours, visa and immigration services will be suspended on Eid, resulting in slight delays.

• Regular hours: Expected to continue during Ramadan
• Closed: On Eid

23. Singapore

As the holiday coincides with a weekend, immigration services are unlikely to face disruptions.

• Hari Raya Puasa: March 21, 2026 (weekend)
• No additional closures anticipated

24. Tunisia

Shortened hours during Ramadan may lead to delays in visa processing.

• Operating hours: 8:00 to 14:30, shorter on Fridays
• Expected Eid closure: Around March 20 to March 23

25. Türkiye

No specific closures related to Ramadan have been reported at this stage, so significant immigration delays are not anticipated.

• Currently, no government office closures are expected

26. United Arab Emirates

Shorter hours during Ramadan and Eid holidays could delay the processing of work permits and residency visas, particularly toward the end of March.

• Working hours: 9:00 to 14:30, shorter on Fridays
• Expected Eid closure: Approximately March 19 or 20
• Reopening: Likely on March 23 or 24

Implications for Travelers and Foreign Workers

Here’s the key takeaway. For anyone seeking a work visa, residence permit, entry clearance, or renewal in March 2026, it is advisable to submit applications early. Avoid waiting until the last week before Eid.

Processing queues may grow during Ramadan. Furthermore, once offices close for Eid al-Fitr, applications are simply held in abeyance.

For employers of foreign nationals, this is the moment to reassess pending applications and adjust timelines appropriately.

Concluding Recommendations

Ramadan and Eid hold significant religious importance in numerous countries. Reduced working hours and closures are anticipated and should be planned for.

By incorporating this knowledge into your immigration schedule, you can mitigate stress.

The fundamental guideline is this: if your deadline is near the end of March 2026, take action sooner rather than later.