In a move that could impact thousands of travellers, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended short-term visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, as part of its preparation for the Hajj season. The suspension applies to all transit, tourist, and business visas, and is expected to remain in effect until the conclusion of the annual Islamic pilgrimage, set to take place in mid-June 2025.
The announcement has drawn attention from the global Muslim community, travel agencies, and international visitors with upcoming plans to travel to the Kingdom, many of whom are now being forced to reconsider or postpone their trips.
Countries Affected by the Visa Suspension
Along with India, the visa suspension also applies to nationals of:
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Yemen
- Sudan
- Ethiopia
- Nigeria
- Egypt
- Chad
- Eritrea
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
These countries are among the largest contributors to the Hajj pilgrim population each year, and the temporary restriction is seen as a crowd control measure to manage the enormous logistical challenges associated with the event.
Why the Visa Suspension Has Been Implemented
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in coordination with Saudi immigration and security authorities, announced the visa pause to ensure safe and efficient management of pilgrims during Hajj 2025.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, brings over two million pilgrims to Mecca and Medina annually. With the influx expected to peak in June this year, the government aims to reduce non-Hajj-related tourist or business travel that could further strain infrastructure, hotel capacity, and airport operations during this critical period.
The suspension is part of a broader effort to prioritise pilgrims and ensure compliance with crowd control protocols, health regulations, and accommodation availability.
Impact on Indian Travellers
India sends one of the largest contingents of Hajj pilgrims each year, and this temporary visa halt affects not just Hajj participants, but also non-religious travellers—including business professionals, tourists, and expatriates who were planning short visits.
Indian travel agencies have begun notifying clients with existing bookings or visa applications that travel plans will likely be delayed or cancelled. Passengers planning stopovers in Saudi cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam as part of Umrah or tourist itineraries are being advised to postpone their travel until the restriction is lifted.
While Hajj visa issuance continues under a separate quota system, all short-term and non-Hajj visas for affected countries have been temporarily suspended.
Who Is Exempt?
The restriction applies primarily to single-entry visit visas, including e-visas and visas-on-arrival. However, travellers holding long-term residence permits, work visas, or those on government-sponsored visits are currently exempt. Pilgrims with pre-approved Hajj permits issued via official channels will also be allowed to travel as scheduled.
Authorities have encouraged travellers to contact official Hajj organisers, consulates, or licensed travel agents for clarifications before making any bookings or travel arrangements to the Kingdom.
Travel Industry and Diplomatic Reactions
The decision, though not entirely unexpected, has created uncertainty among travellers and tour operators. In past years, Saudi Arabia has implemented temporary travel suspensions to streamline the Hajj experience, but this year’s broader scope and early announcement have taken many by surprise.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Saudi Embassy in New Delhi are reportedly in close communication to monitor the developments. Travel and Hajj operators in India have also called for more clarity on the duration of the suspension and guidelines for reapplication after Hajj concludes.
“Travel to Saudi Arabia for non-Hajj purposes is now on hold for a large number of our clients,” said a Mumbai-based travel agent. “We are advising all travellers to wait for official updates before proceeding with any bookings.”
What Travellers Should Do Now
For those affected by the suspension, experts recommend:
- Postponing all non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia until after the Hajj season.
- Contacting the Saudi consulate or embassy for up-to-date information and rescheduling guidance.
- Reviewing cancellation and refund policies on flights and hotel bookings.
- Monitoring airline and visa portals for reactivation announcements, expected by mid-July 2025.
Additionally, applicants with ongoing visa processes are being advised to hold off on final submissions until further notice, as most applications from the listed countries will be automatically put on hold or rejected during this period.
Looking Ahead
While the temporary restriction may cause short-term disruption for some travellers, Saudi officials emphasise that the move is designed to ensure a safe, focused, and spiritually meaningful Hajj experience for the millions making the pilgrimage.
Once the Hajj season concludes and infrastructure is no longer under peak strain, normal visa issuance is expected to resume, likely in the latter half of July or early August 2025.
For now, Indian nationals and citizens of the other 13 affected countries will need to plan travel around these restrictions, especially those with business interests or family members residing in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s suspension of short-term visas for 14 countries, including India, is a reminder of the scale and complexity of managing Hajj, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. While the decision may inconvenience many travellers in the short term, it reflects the Kingdom’s broader commitment to safety, security, and effective management during a spiritually significant and logistically demanding period.
Travellers are advised to stay updated through official channels and exercise patience, as the suspension is expected to be lifted once the Hajj season concludes smoothly.
