In a significant move ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia Visa Ban has announced a temporary suspension of various visa categories for 14 countries, including India. According to multiple media sources, the Kingdom has halted the issuance of Umrah visas, business visit visas, and family visit visas. This suspension will remain in place until mid-June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the annual Hajj.
Which Visas Are Suspended by Saudi Arabia?
As per the new travel guidelines, Saudi Arabia has paused issuing the following visas for citizens of the affected countries:
- Umrah Visas
- Business Visit Visas
- Family Visit Visas
While this may disappoint many, the suspension does not impact those traveling with valid Hajj visas. Indian pilgrims with approved Hajj permits can still enter Mecca and Medina to participate in the pilgrimage as planned.
Why Has Saudi Arabia Imposed This Visa Ban?
The Saudi Arabia visa ban aims to prevent unauthorized individuals from performing Hajj without official registration. Authorities observed that some visitors were using Umrah or visit visas to overstay and join the Hajj illegally. This not only compromises security but also leads to dangerous overcrowding—an issue that played a tragic role during the 2024 pilgrimage, which saw over 1,000 casualties due to extreme heat and congestion.
To ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage in 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has directed officials to enforce stricter visa regulations.
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When Will the Saudi Arabia Visa Ban Start?
The visa suspension takes effect starting April 13, 2025. No new Umrah, business, or family visit visas will be issued to individuals from the affected countries beyond this date. The measure will continue until mid-June 2025, when the Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
Countries Affected by the Saudi Visa Suspension
According to reports, the following 13 countries are confirmed to be affected, with one more country yet to be identified:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Jordan
- Algeria
- Sudan
- Ethiopia
- Tunisia
- Yemen
This decision emphasizes the Kingdom’s commitment to a safer and more organized Hajj, minimizing the risk of unregistered pilgrims and tragic incidents.
(This article will be updated once the Saudi foreign ministry releases an official statement.)