Saudi Arabia Imposes Temporary Visa Ban on 14 Countries Including India: Check Full List

In a significant step ahead of the annual Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries. These include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and several other nations. The suspension is effective immediately and will continue until mid-June 2025, in line with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Why Has Saudi Arabia Banned Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj?

Preventing Unauthorized Hajj Pilgrims

"The decision aims to prevent unregistered pilgrims from entering the kingdom under alternative visa categories and attempting to perform Hajj without official authorization."

According to Saudi authorities, in recent years, many individuals have misused Umrah and visit visas to stay illegally in the kingdom and perform Hajj without proper permits, creating serious logistical and safety issues.

Lessons from the 2024 Hajj Tragedy

In 2024, more than 1,000 people lost their lives during the pilgrimage, primarily due to extreme heat and overcrowding caused by unauthorized pilgrims. The tragedy served as a wake-up call, prompting Saudi officials to take stricter control measures ahead of Hajj 2025.

"Only pilgrims registered through Saudi Arabia’s approved Hajj channels are permitted to participate in the annual pilgrimage."

Crown Prince's Directive on Visa Regulation

To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has directed authorities to implement stricter visa policies. This includes:

Deadline for Umrah Visa Applications

"The last day to apply for an Umrah visa this year is April 13, 2025. No new Umrah visas will be issued until after Hajj ends."

List of 14 Countries Affected by the Visa Ban

Saudi Arabia’s visa suspension affects the following nations:

• India

• Pakistan

• Bangladesh

• Egypt

• Indonesia

• Iraq

• Nigeria

• Jordan

• Algeria

• Sudan

• Ethiopia

• Tunisia

• Yemen

• (One more unnamed country mentioned in reports)

Digital Guidance for Safe and Legal Hajj

To assist pilgrims and ensure compliance with legal procedures, Saudi authorities have launched a multilingual digital Hajj and Umrah guide, available in 16 different languages. This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to educate pilgrims on authorized travel channels and prevent violations.

Strict Penalties for Visa Violators

🛑 "Anyone found staying illegally during Hajj will face a five-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia."

Saudi officials have urged all potential pilgrims to follow legitimate registration processes and avoid using alternative or unofficial visa routes. Those who violate these rules will face harsh penalties, including long-term bans from entering the kingdom.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia's decision to temporarily suspend Umrah, business, and family visit visas for 14 countries, including India, is a precautionary measure to ensure a safer and more organized Hajj 2025. The tragic loss of over 1,000 lives during the 2024 pilgrimage due to extreme heat and overcrowding—largely caused by unregistered pilgrims—has prompted the kingdom to tighten its visa regulations.

By restricting alternative visa categories, Saudi authorities aim to eliminate the misuse of visit and Umrah visas for unauthorized Hajj participation. The introduction of a multilingual digital guide and the deadline for Umrah visa applications reflect the government’s commitment to transparency and safety.

Pilgrims are strongly urged to use official channels and avoid shortcuts, as violations could lead to serious consequences, including a five-year entry ban. This step, while inconvenient for many, is vital to preserving the sanctity, security, and efficiency of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.