Saudi Arabia bans visas for 14 countries ahead of Hajj: Why is India on the list?

Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, effective until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the end of the Hajj pilgrimage season. This decision, as per the reports, aims to address overcrowding and safety concerns during Hajj. The Saudi authorities have set April 13, 2025, as the last date for issuing Umrah visas, with no new visas of these types granted to nationals of the affected countries until after Hajj concludes.
The complete list of 14 countries impacted by this visa suspension, includes: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
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India’s inclusion in the ban is tied to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to curb unauthorised participation in Hajj. Reports indicate that some individuals from India and other affected countries have used Umrah or visit visas to enter Saudi Arabia and then overstayed to perform Hajj without going through official registration. This practice circumvents the kingdom’s quota system, which is designed to regulate pilgrim numbers by assigning a specific number of Hajj slots to each country.

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According to sources, Saudi authorities blamed unregistered participants for the overcrowding and intense heat that killed over 1,200 pilgrims during the Hajj in 2024. These unapproved pilgrims frequently do not have access to basic amenities like lodging, transportation, and healthcare, which makes safety hazards and logistical difficulties worse. Officials argue that tightening visa regulations is essential to prevent a repeat of such unfortunate tragedies.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, this action is a logistical response to guarantee a safer and better-organized pilgrimage and has nothing to do with diplomatic concerns. As per reports, registered pilgrims can proceed with their plans as diplomatic visas, residency permits, and Hajj-specific visas remain unaffected. Meanwhile, Saudi authorities have warned that individuals performing Hajj without authorization or overstaying their permitted duration may face a five-year entry ban. The ministry emphasised the importance of adhering strictly to official channels and regulations, citing past instances where unregistered pilgrims overwhelmed facilities, leading to safety hazards and service breakdowns during peak Hajj days.
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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.According to reports, the current prohibition strengthens that policy and restricts access even further in advance of the Hajj 2025, which is set for June 4–9. The move is seen as part of broader efforts to manage pilgrim numbers and ensure compliance with official Hajj regulations. Authorities have emphasised that the restrictions have been put into place to prevent illegal or unregistered pilgrims, enhance crowd control, and prioritise safety and logistical efficiency during Hajj.

India is on the list due to documented cases of visa misuse by some nationals attempting unauthorized Hajj participation, a problem Saudi Arabia seeks to mitigate through this temporary visa suspension affecting 14 countries. Authorities believe such misuse undermines the quota-based Hajj system and poses serious logistical and safety challenges during the pilgrimage. The move is also intended to reinforce stricter adherence to official pilgrimage channels and maintain order during the holy event. This suspension primarily targets visit, tourism, and personal visas used to bypass Hajj regulations. Saudi officials emphasize that only pilgrims with valid Hajj permits will be allowed entry during the designated pilgrimage season.
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The complete list of the 14 countries affected by Saudi Arabia’s temporary visa ban, as reported by various reports. While some reports explicitly name 13 countries and confirm a total of 14, the 14th country has not been universally specified in all sources, but Morocco is frequently cited as the likely addition based on overlapping patterns.
Here is the complete list: