With the annual Hajj pilgrimage approaching, Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning significant changes to its visa policy for travelers from 14 countries. The move aims to better manage the increasing number of pilgrims and ensure a safer, more organized experience.
Hajj 2025 is expected to occur from June 4 to June 9, subject to moon sighting, but pilgrims are likely to begin arriving in Saudi Arabia by late April. According to Pakistani news outlet ARY, Saudi authorities have set April 13, 2025, as the final date for issuing Umrah visas. No new visas will be issued to nationals from the listed countries until after the Hajj period ends.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified, as reported by NDTV, that this measure is logistical in nature and not tied to diplomatic issues.
Countries potentially facing temporary visa suspensions include Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan in South Asia; Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Yemen in the Middle East; Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in North Africa; Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Sudan in Sub-Saharan Africa; and Indonesia in Southeast Asia.
The primary objective of this policy shift is to curb unauthorized participation in Hajj. Authorities have raised concerns about individuals entering on Umrah or visit visas and remaining in the country to perform Hajj without going through the official channels, thereby bypassing Saudi Arabia’s strict quota system that regulates pilgrim numbers per country.
This policy comes in the wake of a deadly 2024 pilgrimage season, during which over 1,200 pilgrims died due to extreme heat and overcrowding. The Saudi government is considering a temporary visa halt to address these challenges and ensure better control over the flow of pilgrims.
While described as a short-term solution, officials have not announced when or if the visa restrictions will be lifted. However, it is evident that Saudi Arabia is taking proactive steps to prevent future crises and improve the management of the Hajj pilgrimage.
