Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of certain visa categories for citizens from 14 countries, including Nigeria, India, and Pakistan, as part of new travel restrictions ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Reports indicate that the Saudi authorities will stop the issuance of Umrah, family visit, and business visas for citizens of the specified countries starting in April 2025. This ban is expected to last until June, when the Hajj season concludes.
Officials have clarified that this suspension will not affect pilgrims who are properly registered for Hajj. Nigerians and others intending to perform religious rites in Makkah and Madinah through official Hajj channels will still be permitted entry into the Kingdom.
The restrictions aim to address the rising number of unauthorized individuals who misuse Umrah or visit visas to partake in Hajj without proper registration, which has led to overcrowding and logistical challenges.
This visa suspension follows concerns regarding illegal overstays and unregulated movement of pilgrims, especially after the tragic events during the 2024 Hajj, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives due to overcrowding and extreme heat.
Starting April 13, the issuance of visit visas for the affected countries will be suspended. Only individuals with approved Hajj registrations through designated authorities will be allowed access during the pilgrimage period.
Countries Affected by the Visa Suspension
– India
– Egypt
– Pakistan
– Indonesia
– Iraq
– Nigeria
– Sudan
– Jordan
– Ethiopia
– Tunisia
– Yemen
– Algeria
– Bangladesh
– Morocco