Saudi Arabia suspended visas before Hajj

Saudi Arabia suspended visas before Hajj: If you’re wondering, “Is the Umrah visa banned for Indians in 2025?” Or searching for the latest Saudi Arabia visit visa update, here’s what you need to know.

Saudi Arabia Suspends Umrah and Visit Visas for 14 Countries Ahead of Hajj 2025— Here’s What It Means for Indian Travelers

If you’re wondering, “Is the Umrah visa banned for Indians in 2025?” or searching for the latest Saudi Arabia visit visa update, here’s what you need to know.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily stopped issuing Umrah, family visit, and business visas for citizens of 14 countries — including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh — just weeks before Hajj 2025, which is set to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025.

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📢 Why Did Saudi Arabia Suspend These Visas?

The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to prevent overcrowding and unauthorized Hajj participation. In the past, thousands of people from various countries entered on visit or Umrah visas and overstayed to join the Hajj without registering officially.

This led to serious safety concerns. During Hajj 2024, over 1,200 unregistered pilgrims died due to heatstroke and lack of accommodation. To avoid a repeat of such tragedies, the kingdom has imposed strict visa controls this year.

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🌍 List of Countries Affected by the Saudi Visa Ban (2025)

Saudi Arabia has temporarily stopped granting certain types of visas to people from these countries:

• India

• Pakistan

• Bangladesh

• Egypt

• Iraq

• Indonesia

• Nigeria

• Sudan

• Jordan

• Yemen

• Ethiopia

• Tunisia

• Morocco

• Algeria

This suspension applies mainly to Umrah visas, business visas, and family visit visas.

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🗓️ Key Dates You Should Know

• Last day to apply for Umrah visa: April 13, 2025

• Visa ban applies until: Mid-June 2025

• Hajj 2025 dates: June 4 – June 9, 2025

After mid-June, visa services for the affected countries are expected to resume as normal.

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✅ Who Is Still Allowed to Enter Saudi Arabia?

Not all visa types are banned. You can still travel to Saudi Arabia if you have:

• A valid Hajj visa issued through official government channels

• A residency permit (Iqama)

• A diplomatic or official visa

If you’re going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj through official means, you won’t be affected by this visa restriction.

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⚠️ What Happens If You Break the Rule?

Saudi authorities have issued a strong warning: those who try to perform Hajj using visit or Umrah visas may face serious consequences, including

• Deportation

• Five-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia

• Legal penalties or fines

This is part of the kingdom’s effort to ensure a safe, organized pilgrimage experience for all.

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🇮🇳 What This Means for Indian Pilgrims

Many Indians were planning to visit Saudi Arabia in April or May for Umrah or family visits. If you’re one of them, your visa application may now be on hold until after mid-June 2025.

However, if you are registered to perform Hajj 2025 through an approved travel agency, you’re still eligible to go.

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🔍 Final Word: Saudi Arabia Visa Ban for Umrah April 2025

This temporary Saudi visa ban for Umrah and visit visas in 2025 is not political. It’s a safety measure to ensure that only officially registered pilgrims perform Hajj and avoid the overcrowding that led to tragedy in the past.

If you’re planning travel, always consult official Hajj operators or the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before booking flights or applying for a visa.