Saudi Arabia has suspended the distribution of Umrah visa to citizens of 14 nations, including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, as reported. The step is believed to be a precaution to tackle overcrowding prior to the Hajj pilgrimage next month. That, however, is not confirmed by Saudi authorities yet.
A variety of media have reported that the temporary suspension is to prevent logistic issues and overpopulation in Mecca and Medina during the height of the Hajj season.
What is Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is a special Saudi Arabian travel authorization given to Muslims going to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to undertake the pilgrimage of Umrah, which can be made at any time of the year as compared to Hajj. It cannot be used for employment or tourism purposes.
Umrah visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry visas and typically have a limited validity period. They differ from Hajj visas, which are reserved for the pilgrimage only annually.
Eligibility for Umrah Visa
According to the official Saudi Visa website, the general eligibility criteria for Umrah visas are as follows:
- Applicants should be 18 years of age and The the Muslim faith.
- Women between 18 and 65 are free to apply without a guardian if they are part of a group and have a written letter of permission from a Mahram (father or husband).
- Children under the age of 18 need to apply with a parent or legal guardian.
The 2022 visa changes have made several previously restrictive conditions less strict, particularly for female travelers.
India-Saudi Arabia Hajj Agreement 2025
According to the bilateral Hajj Agreement 2025, entered into in January this year, 1,75,025 Indian Muslims have permission to go for the Hajj pilgrimage. Among them, 1,40,020 places are being made available through the Haj Committee of India and 35,005 places to private Haj Group Operators (HGOs).
The allocation of this year has guaranteed priority to new pilgrims going for Hajj and assured reasonable access to the holy trip.
Applying for Umrah Visa from India
Indian pilgrims may request an Umrah visa from licensed travel agencies in India that have been approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and certified by the Saudi Embassy.
The basic documents needed are:
- Valid passport
- Filled-in visa application
- Health and vaccination certificates
- Recent passport photograph
Applications for Umrah visas are accepted from the 1st day of Safar (the second month in the Islamic calendar) until the last day of Shaaban (the eighth month).
The visa is provided at no cost and automatically becomes invalid upon the conclusion of the Umrah pilgrimage.
When is Hajj 2025?
Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 will occur from June 4 to June 9, pending the lunar calendar. Hajj rituals are performed from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, which is the final month of the Islamic calendar.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the dates of the Hajj change each year by approximately 11-12 days from the Gregorian calendar.
Length and Importance of Hajj
Hajj lasts five to six days and comprises various physically and spiritually taxing rituals. The end of Hajj initiates Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated for four days.
To Muslims, Hajj is an integral act of devotion and spiritual requirement, if only they have the physical, financial, and psychological ability to do so.
Though Saudi Arabia has not issued any official pronouncement on reported limits on granting Umrah visas, pilgrims are encouraged to refer to certified agencies for updated information and plan accordingly during the peak Hajj period.