Temporary visa halt aims to prevent illegal pilgrimages and manage Hajj 2025 crowds
As preparations for Hajj 2025 intensify, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended several visa categories for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Egypt. The halt affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas and will remain in place until mid-June, aligning with the end of the Hajj season.
The countries impacted by the suspension are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. Saudi officials said the move aims to prevent unregistered pilgrims from entering the country under alternate visa routes to perform Hajj illegally.
This action comes in the wake of a major tragedy during Hajj 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims reportedly died due to extreme heat and overcrowding. Many of the victims were believed to have entered Saudi Arabia on non-Hajj visas and overstayed to participate in the pilgrimage.
Authorities say the suspension is a preventive measure to manage crowd control and ensure safety. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has personally backed the new restrictions, signaling the kingdom’s commitment to orderly and registered pilgrim participation. Official Hajj registration remains the only approved route for foreign pilgrims during the sacred season.
