- Saudi Arabia halts Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries including India until mid-June 2025.
- The suspension aims to control overcrowding and prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.
- Last day to enter with an Umrah visa is April 13, 2025; Hajj takes place from June 4 to 9.
Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary suspension on the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
The move is a precautionary measure to prevent the misuse of non-Hajj visas for pilgrimage purposes, which has led to severe overcrowding and safety issues in the past.
Hajj 2025: Visa Ban for 14 Nations to Curb Overcrowding and Illegal Entry
The Saudi government has temporarily banned visa issuance to citizens from 14 nations, including populous countries such as India, Egypt, and Indonesia. This step has been taken in the lead-up to Hajj 2025, which is scheduled from June 4 to 9. The goal is to regulate the massive influx of pilgrims and ensure proper safety arrangements during the pilgrimage.
Saudi officials observed that in past years, many individuals entered the country using Umrah or visit visas and then illegally remained to perform Hajj, bypassing official registration. This not only violated visa rules but also disrupted the regulated quota system established for each country. To counter this, the cutoff for Umrah visa entry this year is April 13, 2025.
Another concern raised was the rise in foreign nationals using non-work visas to engage in unauthorized employment during their stay. Such practices have caused labor market disturbances and put additional pressure on local resources. With this visa restriction, the government is tightening enforcement against these violations.
Despite the suspension, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reassured the global Muslim community that the move is purely logistical, not political. They emphasized that this decision was made in the interest of safety, efficiency, and the sanctity of the pilgrimage experience. Travelers are urged to comply, or risk facing a five-year ban from entering the country.
Saudi Arabia’s visa suspension is a decisive effort to ensure a safe and organized Hajj season in 2025. By prioritizing authorized pilgrimages and public safety, the Kingdom is reinforcing responsible travel practices.
“Hajj is a journey of the soul, but it must be guided by order and discipline to protect every pilgrim’s right to worship safely.” – Unknown
