Riyadh: Confusion has erupted among travelers and travel agencies following Saudi Arabia’s announcement to temporarily suspend certain types of visas—including Umrah, business, family, and visit visas—for citizens of 13 countries ahead of the 2025 Hajj season. The move, aimed at preventing unauthorized Hajj participation, has left both travelers and Umrah operators in need of urgent clarification.
According to the new directive, Umrah visa applications will only be accepted until April 13. No new Umrah visas will be issued beyond this date until after the Hajj season ends, expected by mid-June. The suspension is causing widespread uncertainty, especially among Gulf residents planning trips to Saudi Arabia for various purposes.
Travel agents report that clients are frequently contacting them for updates, but they are unable to provide definitive answers. Mir Waseem Raja, Manager at International Travel Services, confirmed that many UAE residents are requesting visa applications, but services have been halted due to the lack of clarity from Saudi authorities.
Saudi Arabia stated that the suspension aims to curb the misuse of Umrah and visit visas for unauthorized Hajj participation. In previous years, many foreign nationals attempted to perform Hajj without registering officially, leading to overcrowding and safety issues. Over 1,000 pilgrims lost their lives during the 2024 Hajj season, primarily due to extreme heat and unauthorized participation.
To enhance safety and manage crowds, Saudi officials have also warned that overstaying a visa or performing Hajj without proper registration could result in a five-year entry ban.
The countries affected by the visa suspension are:
India
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Egypt
Indonesia
Iraq
Nigeria
Jordan
Algeria
Sudan
Ethiopia
Tunisia
Yemen
Authorities are expected to issue further clarifications soon to address concerns raised by travelers and operators.
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