Saudi Arabia temporarily halts visas for India, 13 other nations ahead of Haj

As part of tightening security and ensuring orderly conduct during the upcoming Haj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of select visas for nationals from 14 countries, including India. The suspension, effective immediately, impacts Umrah, business and family visit visas and will remain in force until mid-June, following the conclusion of this year's Haj season.

Saudi authorities have stated that the decision is a preventive measure to curb visa misuse during the pilgrimage period. Officials have noted that in past years, many foreign nationals entered the kingdom on Umrah or visit visas and then stayed illegally to perform Haj, bypassing the official registration process.

Such practices have contributed to severe overcrowding, straining logistics and raising significant safety concerns during the holy event. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has directed immigration and religious authorities to enforce stricter visa controls to minimize unauthorized participation and ensure the safety of pilgrims.

The visa suspension applies to travelers from the following 14 nations:

- India

- Pakistan

- Bangladesh

- Egypt

- Indonesia

- Iraq

- Nigeria

- Jordan

- Algeria

- Sudan

- Ethiopia

- Tunisia

- Yemen

Under the new regulations, Umrah visa applications will only be accepted until April 13, 2025. After this date, no new Umrah visas will be issued until the end of the Haj season. Business and family visit visas are also paused during this period.

This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has enforced such measures. Similar suspensions have become an annual protocol in the weeks leading up to Haj to ensure better crowd management and reduce unauthorized entries.

The decision comes in the wake of last year’s tragic Haj season, during which over 1,000 pilgrims reportedly died due to extreme heat and overcrowding. A significant number of the deceased were found to be unauthorized pilgrims who entered the country on non-Haj visas, making them ineligible for official support and accommodations.

By enforcing tighter visa policies, Saudi officials aim to reduce the risk of such incidents and ensure that registered pilgrims can perform their religious duties in a secure and organized environment.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning: individuals caught overstaying their visas or attempting to perform Haj without proper authorization could face a five-year entry ban.

As the Kingdom continues preparations for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, authorities urge international travelers to comply with regulations and respect the sanctity of the pilgrimage process.