Planning a travel to Saudi Arabia? You may have to wait till June

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of certain visas including those for business, and family visits for citizens of 14 countries, including India. 

 

The suspension of visas, in the wake of the Hajj pilgrimage season, will continue till mid-June 2025. 

 

The decision was taken to address the overcrowding during Hajj. The Saudi authorities have set April 13 as the last date for issuing Umrah visas. Reportedly, the suspension of the visas won't impact pilgrims from India who are strictly travelling for Hajj. Over 1,75,000 pilgrims travel to Hajj every year. Those who registered early through the Hajj Committee of India may not face disruption if the documents are verified and reprocessed under the new updated protocol.

 

List of countries impacted by the visa suspension: 

 

Algeria

Bangladesh

Egypt

India

Indonesia

Iraq

Jordan

Ethiopia

Morocco

Nigeria

Pakistan

Tunisia 

Sudan 

Yemen

 

Reportedly, individuals from foreign countries will be issued visit visas or Umrah visas till April 13. 

 

During the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, over 1,000 people were killed. According to officials, many unauthorised pilgrims were present at the event. Overcrowding and extreme heat were cited at the reason behind the tragedy. Saudi Arabia now believes that a visa ban to restrict illegal visitors will facilitate a smooth Hajj pilgrimage.  

 

To reduce fraud and ensure better crowd management during Hajj, the administration is planning a new visa processing system. The decision was also taken to tackle the misuse of the visa system. It was also found that many pilgrims were found travelling via unofficial or blacklisted travel agencies. 

Middle East