In a significant move to curb overcrowding during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia has temporarily stopped issuing visas for 14 countries until mid-June 2025. This decision comes after a tragic event last year where more than 1,200 unregistered pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion during the pilgrimage. The ban affects countries with a large number of potential pilgrims, including India, Pakistan, and Indonesia among others, who frequently send a substantial contingent to Mecca.

Saudi Arabia visa ban applies to Umrah, business, and family visit visas, aiming to strictly enforce authorized participation in the Hajj. Diplomatic visas, residency permits, and officially sanctioned Hajj visas remain unaffected, thus allowing the pilgrimage to continue in a more organized and lawful manner. The enforcement of these measures comes under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is determined to prevent any repeat of the previous year's tragic incident.

In response to last year's crisis, the Saudi authorities have vowed to implement stricter rules and guidelines that will manage the flow of pilgrims more efficiently. By suspending short-term visa issuance for the affected countries, Saudi Arabia intends to maintain public safety and adhere to pilgrimage quotas set forth by international agreements. Violators of the new policy risk facing heavy fines, imprisonment, and a potential entry ban of up to five years.

For individuals planning to perform Umrah, the final date to submit application forms is April 13, 2025. The Saudi government emphasizes that this temporary visa suspension is purely logistical and not indicative of any diplomatic disputes with the affected nations. They have even gone a step further by providing a multilingual guide aimed at educating pilgrims on the legal measures and protocols to be followed during their visit.

The decision has a widespread impact on nations most frequently sending Hajj pilgrims, causing disruption for families and individuals who had intended to visit Mecca during the upcoming holy season. Saudi Arabia asserts that these guidelines will ensure a safer and more manageable pilgrimage experience, allowing them to monitor and control the number of people entering the country for religious purposes.