Saudi Arabia bans visas for 14 countries ahead of Hajj

This decision, as per the reports, aims to address overcrowding and safety concerns during Hajj.

The Saudi authorities have set April 13, 2025, as the last date for issuing Umrah visas, with no new visas of these types granted to nationals of the affected countries until after Hajj concludes.

The complete list of 14 countries impacted by this visa suspension, includes: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

India’s inclusion in this ban is linked to efforts by Saudi officials to prevent unauthorised participation in Hajj.

According to reports, some individuals from India and other listed countries have entered Saudi Arabia on Umrah or visit visas and overstayed to perform Hajj without registering through official channels.

This method bypasses the kingdom’s quota system, which allocates specific Hajj slots to each country to regulate the number of pilgrims.

According to sources, Saudi authorities blamed unregistered participants for the overcrowding and intense heat that killed over 1,200 pilgrims during the Hajj in 2024.

These unapproved pilgrims frequently do not have access to basic amenities like lodging, transportation, and healthcare, which makes safety hazards and logistical difficulties worse.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, this action is a logistical response to guarantee a safer and better-organized pilgrimage and has nothing to do with diplomatic concerns.

According to reports, registered pilgrims can continue as scheduled because diplomatic visas, residency permits, and visas particular to the Hajj are unaffected.

Saudi authorities have also threatened to bar people from entering the country for five years if they undertake the Hajj without permission or remain longer than is permitted.