Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuing of several types of visas for people from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, ahead of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. The ban will remain in effect until mid-June, around the time when Hajj concludes.
The suspension covers Umrah visas, business visas, and family visit visas. Officials say the step was taken to stop people from entering the country under non-Hajj visas and then staying illegally to perform the pilgrimage without registration.
A Saudi official said,“Many individuals were using Umrah or visit visas to stay back and perform Hajj without authorization. This not only causes overcrowding but also puts lives at risk.”
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman, has instructed authorities to enforce stricter visa controls to ensure that Hajj is conducted smoothly and safely. As part of this crackdown, Umrah visa applications will be accepted only until April 13. After that, no new Umrah visas will be issued until after Hajj.
The countries affected by the visa suspension are: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and one unnamed country.
This decision comes after the tragic events of Hajj 2024, where over 1,000 people died, many of whom were unauthorized pilgrims. Extreme heat and overcrowding had worsened the crisis.
Saudi authorities say this new measure will help prevent such tragedies in the future.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has launched a digital guide for Hajj and Umrah in 16 languages to support pilgrims in performing rituals safely and correctly.
Read More: Indian Muslims Can Perform Haj Only Once via HCoI: Haj Policy 2025
Officials have also warned: “Anyone caught staying illegally during Hajj could face a five-year entry ban.”
Authorities are urging all pilgrims to follow the rules, register through official channels, and avoid any shortcuts that could endanger lives.
