As Musafir Journey, our purpose has always been to facilitate travel as effortless, enriching, and transcendent as possible—particularly for those taking journeys of faith. Therefore, when there is news that can impact your itinerary, we ensure you hear it first.
As of early April 2025, Saudi Arabia has implemented temporary visa restrictions on citizens of 14 nations, including India, prior to the next Hajj season. Although these developments might be surprising for most, we are here to guide you through all you need to know—and what you can do next.
🛑What’s Happening?
To ensure crowd management and security during the Hajj peak season, Saudi authorities suspended some categories of visas for nationals of the following 14 countries:
🇮🇳 India
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇮🇩 Indonesia
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇸🇩 Sudan
🇾🇪 Yemen
🇩🇿 Algeria
🇮🇶 Iraq
🇯🇴 Jordan
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇹🇳 Tunisia
If you are a national of one of these nations, Saudi Arabia won’t be issuing new Umrah, business, or family visit visas until mid-June 2025.
Already Have a Visa? Take Note
If you already possess a valid visit, business, or family visa granted prior to April 12, 2025, you will have to leave Saudi Arabia by April 13, irrespective of your original expiry date of the visa.
This measure is being taken to avoid unauthorized Hajj participation through other visa channels.
Change in Visa Type Rules
Additionally, from February 2025 onwards, Saudi Arabia has limited candidates from these 14 nations to single-entry visas only. In other words, you can no longer apply for multiple entry visit visas at the moment.
✋ So, What Should You Do?
We understand these updates might be disappointing, particularly to those who have been planning an eagerly awaited Umrah or to visit relatives. Here’s what we suggest:
✅ Stay Informed – Policies can change as the Hajj season goes on. Catch up with us or check for updates from official Saudi sources.
✅ Pause Travel Plans – If your travel is within the restricted visa types, it’s advisable to wait until after mid-June.
✅ Ask Us Anything – Baffled? Worried? Just contact us. We’re here to walk you through alternatives or rescheduling.
A Gentle Reminder
These measures are being undertaken by Saudi Arabia to safeguard pilgrims, avoid overcrowding, and maintain the sanctity of Hajj. At Musafir Journey, we admire these initiatives and remain with you to assist with re-planning or re-thinking your holy travels.
Whatever the desire of your heart is – Hajj, Umrah, or meeting loved ones – we feel your journey will occur at the right time.
In the meantime, let’s remain patient, optimistic, and connected.
Best regards,
Team Musafir Journey
