The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of new short-term visas, including business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas, ahead of Hajj 2025. Saudi Arabia visa ban Pakistan, in addition to 13 countries, including India, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.
The travellers from these countries currently holding valid visas are allowed to enter the Kingdom until April 13, and must exit no later than April 29. However, the suspension will not impact pilgrims from India travelling to Saudi Arabia strictly for Hajj and holding a valid Hajj visa. Pilgrims with valid Hajj permits or intending to procure one can enter Mecca and Medina to participate in the pilgrimage as per the plan. The suspension specifically targets other visa categories to prevent the entry of unauthorised individuals in the Hajj.
Why did Saudi Arabia Bans Visas?
Saudi Arabia Bans Visas to prevent logistical issues and overcrowding for Hajj pilgrims. Key reasons for this ban are:
- The move is taken to prevent the alleged entry of people into the country on visas not designated for pilgrimage. Officials have alleged that several citizens from other nations visit Saudi Arabia with Umrah visas or visit visas and overstay illegally to perform Hajj at the holy Mecca.
- Also, the kingdom has a quota system, based on which it allocates specific Hajj slots to each country to regulate the number of pilgrims. People coming to Hajj illegally bypass this rule.
- Saudi authorities stated that the new restrictions aim to better coordinate arrivals and ensure the safety and organization of the upcoming pilgrimage in Hajj 2025, which is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9.
- In addition, Saudi officials have seen cases of foreign citizens working illegally while holding family or business visas, violating visa regulations and upsetting the labor market. Thus, Saudi Arabia is taking all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Hajj pilgrims. The move related to Saudi Arabia bans visas will restrict illegal visitors will facilitate a smooth Hajj pilgrimage, devoid of such tragedies.
This ban on visas comes after Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely and restricted travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days in February 2025.
Notably, the decision comes after the tragedy during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, where more than 1,000 people were killed in the event. Many of these pilgrims who died last year were unauthorised. Overcrowding and extreme heat were the key reasons behind the tragedy.
Saudi Arabia Bans Visas: Difference Between Umrah and Hajj Visas
Both Umrah and Hajj are connected to the pilgrimage to Mecca. However, they differ from each other in many ways. The Hajj visas are issued entirely at the time of Hajj, and the Saudi Arabian diplomatic authorities don’t issue a Hajj visa to any traveller. The travellers can obtain an Umrah visa via the Nusuk Hajj website. Hajj visas are issued almost two months before the pilgrimage and are valid only for Medina and Medina and the areas dedicated to the sacred rites.
On the other hand, the Umrah visa is not issued for a fixed period, rather is issued anytime during the year. As a result, the holder of this visa can perform Umrah whenever the pilgrim wishes.
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Saudi Arabia Imposes Fine on People Entering Hajj Sites W/O Permit
People holding visit visas are not allowed to perform Hajj 2025. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has warned visitors that performing Hajj on a visit visa is strictly prohibited. This warning comes ahead of the Hajj 2025 season to help visitors avoid penalties.
People entering Mecca without an official Hajj permit, including citizens, residents, or tourists, are supposed to pay a fine of SR10,000 (around INR 2.3 lakh). This rule also applies to people entering other important pilgrimage sites like the Grand Mosque area, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and other checkpoints. Repeat violations will lead to doubled fines.
Conclusion
The move related to Saudi Arabia bans visas aims to ensure logistics management and a safe Hajj visit for the pilgrims. The pilgrims and travelers planning a Hajj visit must stay informed and adhere to the latest visa rules and religious protocols.
