Saudi Arabia Suspends Umrah Visas for 14 Countries Before Hajj

If you’ve been preparing to embark on a spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia this year—whether for Umrah, visiting loved ones, or even for business—it’s crucial to stay updated on new travel policies and Visas . The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently rolled out a significant temporary suspension on select visa types for citizens of 14 countries, beginning April 13, 2025.

This strategic move comes in anticipation of the 2025 Hajj season, a time when millions of Muslims from across the globe converge on the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The decision reflects the Saudi government’s renewed efforts to manage crowd control, ensure pilgrim safety, and uphold the sanctity of the Hajj experience—particularly in light of past challenges.

Let’s explore what this visa suspension entails, which countries are affected, why the ban was introduced, and how it might impact your travel plans in the coming months.

Why the Sudden Restriction?

Every year, Hajj draws over two million pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, all required to register through authorized channels. However, unauthorized attempts to participate in Hajj—particularly by individuals entering the country on non-Hajj visas—have been on the rise.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia witnessed a heartbreaking Hajj tragedy, in which over 1,000 people reportedly lost their lives, many of whom were unregistered pilgrims. These individuals had often entered the Kingdom on Umrah, family visit, or business visas, overstaying their permitted durations in hopes of performing Hajj unofficially. This not only created dangerous overcrowding but also strained logistical resources intended for registered pilgrims.

In response, the Saudi government has implemented tighter control measures, temporarily halting certain visa issuances for countries with historically high numbers of unauthorized pilgrims.

Which Visas Are Affected by the New Policy?

As part of the suspension, three major types of visas will be temporarily unavailable for citizens of the listed 14 countries:

1. Umrah Visas

Designed for Muslims wishing to perform the lesser pilgrimage (Umrah) at any time of year outside the Hajj period, these visas are now on hold for affected nations.

2. Family Visit Visas

These visas are commonly issued to allow expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia to host close relatives. The pause may affect family reunions during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.

3. Business Visit Visas

Used for short-term commercial activities, this visa category is also included in the suspension, potentially impacting professionals and entrepreneurs.

It’s important to note that Hajj visas—which are part of a regulated quota system per country—are still being processed as usual, provided applicants go through official channels.

List of Countries Impacted by the Visa Suspension

As of now, Saudi authorities have confirmed 13 countries affected by the temporary restrictions, with the 14th reportedly under review. Here’s the current list:

India
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Egypt
Indonesia
Iraq
Nigeria
Jordan
Algeria
Sudan
Ethiopia
Tunisia
Yemen

While Morocco has not been officially confirmed, several regional reports suggest it may be the 14th country included in the suspension.

Key Dates to Remember: Visa Deadline and

Restriction Period

Travelers and agencies must pay close attention to the following timeline:

April 13, 2025: Last day for Umrah, business, or visit visa issuance to citizens of the affected countries. After this date, no new visas under these categories will be granted to the listed nations.
Mid-June 2025 (Estimated): Expected end of the restriction period, aligning with the conclusion of Hajj 2025. Visa services are anticipated to resume for these countries around this time, subject to further announcements.

These dates are critical for travel planning and should be verified regularly via official Saudi sources, as the situation may evolve.

Multiple-Entry Visa Restrictions Also in Effect

In a parallel policy move, Saudi Arabia has also imposed a ban on multiple-entry visas for the same 14 countries. Effective February 1, 2025, citizens from these nations will only be eligible for single-entry visas during the restriction period.

This aims to prevent travelers from using multiple-entry privileges to remain in the country and participate in Hajj without authorization, bypassing the structured quota and permit system. The single-entry rule allows authorities tighter control and monitoring of entry and exit dates.

Impact on Pilgrims, Families, and the Travel Industry

The policy change will have a ripple effect across several sectors and communities, especially in the weeks leading up to Hajj and during the holy month of Ramadan:

1. Pilgrims and Worshippers

Muslims from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan often prefer to perform Umrah in Ramadan due to the spiritual rewards associated with the holy month. The ban halts their plans unless they are part of an officially sanctioned Hajj program.

2. Travel Agencies and Religious Tour Operators

Companies offering Hajj and Umrah packages, especially in South Asia and Africa, will need to adjust their itineraries, issue refunds, and provide alternate solutions for clients. The economic impact could be substantial for smaller operators.

3. Families Reuniting During Eid

Family visit visas are commonly used during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to bring loved ones together. The suspension disrupts plans for thousands hoping to reunite during this time.

4. Business Community

Entrepreneurs and business professionals planning short-term commercial visits will need to postpone or explore alternate arrangements until restrictions are lifted.

Government Advisory

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to emphasize the importance of registering for Hajj through official government-sanctioned portals. Each country has designated agencies or systems through which eligible Muslims can apply. Unauthorized pilgrims risk:

Immediate deportation
Financial penalties
Bans from future entry into the Kingdom

For those intending to perform Hajj in 2025, this is a strong reminder to avoid shortcuts or informal arrangements, and instead go through the correct, licensed pathways.

Travel Tips: Planning Around the Suspension

Although this visa pause may pose challenges for travelers, it also presents an opportunity to plan more thoughtfully. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Postpone Non-Essential Travel

If your trip is not time-sensitive, consider postponing until after mid-June 2025, when the ban is expected to be lifted. This is especially relevant for family visits and business trips.

2. Register for Hajj through Authorized Channels

Make sure to submit your Hajj application early via the official Hajj portal or your country’s authorized Hajj agency. Availability is often limited due to country quotas.

3. Explore Other Travel Alternatives

For those seeking a spiritual retreat or business networking opportunities, consider visiting neighboring countries in the Gulf region until access to Saudi Arabia resumes.

4. Monitor Official Updates

Always consult the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Saudi consulate or embassy for the latest updates. Relying on unofficial news or social media sources may lead to misinformation.

Saudi Arabia’s Long-Term Vision for Pilgrimage Reform

This policy is not just a reactionary move—it aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for modernizing the pilgrimage experience under its Vision 2030 initiative. This includes:

Smart Hajj solutions such as facial recognition and digital IDs.
Improved crowd control through real-time tracking of pilgrims.
Expansion of infrastructure, including new hotels, transport systems, and medical facilities.
Greater transparency and standardization in visa processing.

These developments indicate the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving the spiritual purity and logistical efficiency of Hajj and Umrah for generations to come.

Final Thoughts: A Necessary Step for a Safer Hajj

Though the current visa suspension may feel like a barrier for many, it represents a broader effort to ensure order, safety, and compliance during one of Islam’s most sacred events.

Pilgrimage is a deeply spiritual and life-changing journey. To uphold its sanctity, it is crucial that every aspect—from visa issuance to transportation logistics—is conducted with care and accountability.

For now, affected travelers are encouraged to be patient, stay informed, and respect the guidelines set by the Saudi authorities. Whether your journey is delayed or redirected, your intention remains valid—and in the eyes of faith, that alone holds immense value.

Helpful Resources and Contacts

Official Website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
https://www.haj.gov.sa
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Portal
https://visa.mofa.gov.sa
Contact Your Local Saudi Embassy or Consulate for specific guidance based on your nationality and travel status.

Dive Deeper Into These Topics:

Saudi Arabia Suspends Umrah and Visit Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj 2025: What You Need to Know

Why the Sudden Restriction?