In a move ahead of Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of three types of visas—Umrah, Business, and Family Visit—for citizens from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The visa suspension takes effect from April 13 and will remain in place until mid-June, according to multiple media reports.
The decision, aimed at curbing unauthorized participation in the annual pilgrimage, is seen as a preventive step after authorities found that many foreign nationals were using Umrah or Family Visit visas to remain in the country and take part in Hajj without proper permits.
Under the new guidelines, foreign nationals from the affected nations can apply for Umrah visas only until April 13. Post this deadline, no new Umrah visas will be issued until the conclusion of the Hajj.
The 14 countries affected by the ban include:
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
The Saudi authorities have not issued an official public statement yet, but the reports have sparked concern among pilgrims planning to travel for Hajj this year.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage that all able-bodied Muslims with financial means are expected to perform at least once in their lives. The rituals of Hajj honor the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim, his son Prophet Ismail, and Hajar, as well as teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Last year, over 1.83 million Muslims performed the Hajj, including 1.6 million international pilgrims from 22 countries, along with 222,000 Saudi citizens and residents, according to official data from Saudi Hajj authorities.
As Hajj preparations ramp up, authorities hope this temporary measure will maintain the sanctity and organization of the pilgrimage by ensuring only authorized individuals participate.