In preparation for the forthcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has disclosed that it will be stopping all Umrah permits for all pilgrims, including residents and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, temporarily.
The suspension will last from May 24 to June 26, 2025, corresponding to the peak period of hajj, which is expected to occur between June 14 and June 19, 2025.
Managing Crowds During Hajj Season
The statement is aimed at controlling the number of people visiting Mecca during the crowded period of the hajj so as not to inconvenience them. During this time, only official Hajj permit holders can perform Umrah.
The point made by the ministry, somewhat valid, was that they are looking forward to preventing any difficulties or discomforts for those performing hajj at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The aim is to allow a manageable crowd to ensure that the hajj pilgrims coming from many corners of the globe have a safe experience.
Strict Penalties for Unauthorized Entry
To further strengthen this directive, there are stringent penalties put forward by the Ministry of Interior. A fine worth SAR 10,000 (about $2,666 approximately) shall be imposed on anyone found within Mecca or holy sites without a valid Hajj permit between June 2nd and 20th, 2025.
Additionally, those apprehended for moving people without the requisite permits can face up to SAR 50,000 in fines, deportation for foreign transporters, vehicle confiscation, and up to six months of imprisonment.
Impact on Pilgrims from 14 Countries
As of April 13, 2025, Saudi Arabia has stopped issuing Umrah, business, and family visit visas for these countries. This suspension impacts pilgrims from fourteen other countries, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.
The restriction is further likely to continue up until mid-June 2025, when the Hajj is expected to conclude. The objective is to curtail orderly unauthorized Hajj participation as well as ensure adherence to immigration rules.
Alternative Visa Options Still Available
Saudi Arabia continues to provide various other visa options available for pilgrims, regardless of the temporary restrictions. For Umrah, citizens of GCC countries can perform it all year round using tourist and transit visas in addition to the traditional Umrah visa.
The alternative visas can be booked through the Nusuk platform, which is the official platform of the Kingdom for pilgrimage services, or accredited centers that deal with visa applications. There are also transit visas for up to 96-hour stays that are available for those traveling through Saudi Arabia with Saudia and Flynas Airlines.
Official Advisory to Pilgrims and Public
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah asks all intending pilgrims to follow the new rules and apply for permits through the appropriate official procedures. In addition, the public has been encouraged to call emergency numbers for reporting violations: 911 for Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 for other parts of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is showing these efforts in trying to manage the well-being of all pilgrims, considering the health issues throughout the Hajj season and controlling the ever-rising number of visitors to the holy sites.