Saudi Arabia imposes visa ban on 14 countries including India

The Saudi government has set April 13 as the last date for issuing Umrah visas adding that no new Umrah visas will be issued until after Hajj concludes.

In an attempt to curb overcrowding and prevent the large influx of unregistered pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has decided to temporarily suspend the issuing of visas to 14 countries, including India till mid-June 2025.

The other countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Accoring to multiple media reports, the Saudi government will refrain from the issuance of Umrah (visa for islamic pilgrimage), business, and family visit visas until the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage in mid June.

The Saudi government has set April 13 as the last date for issuing Umrah visas to citizens of the aforementioned countries adding that no new Umrah visas will be issued until after Hajj concludes.

As per reports, registered pilgrims can proceed with their plans without any difficulties as diplomatic visas, residency permits, and Hajj-specific visas remain unaffected.

Officials have stated that a large number of citizens from other countries are misusing Umrah visas or visit visas and overstaying illegally to perform Hajj at the holy city of Mecca.

The administration also issued a warning stating “anyone caught staying illegally during Hajj would face a five-year ban on entering Saudi Arabia and a fine of SAR 10,000. thereby advising pilgrims to enter using Hajj permit to avoid attempting to circumvent the system,” according to a report in Gulf News.

These unapproved pilgrims frequently do not have access to to basic amenities like lodging, transportation and healthcare, which in turn considerably increases the safety hazards and logistical difficulties.

The ban aims to ensure that people are stopped from performing the Hajj without proper registration as stated by Saudi officials. This decision was made to prevent the recurrence of last year’s Hajj stampede, which resulted from extreme heat and the influx of unregistered pilgrims and caused over a thousand deaths.

Furthermore, Saudi officials have released a digital Hajj and Umrah guide in 16 languages to inform pilgrims about safe and legal procedures for the pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia now believes that these precautions will ensure the restriction of illegal visitors and will facilitate a smooth and safe Hajj pilgrimage