Saudi announces new restrictions for Hajj 2025

By Jafar Mugera
To minimise potential risks associated with overcrowding during Hajj, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented visa restrictions for select countries and banned children from participating in the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs stated that pilgrims will no longer be allowed to bring children to the holy sites, citing the need to safeguard them from potential risks associated with overcrowding each year.
“This step has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to mitigate any potential harm during the Hajj,” the ministry said.
Registration for the 2025 Hajj season officially opened at the beginning of this month. Saudi citizens and residents are required to apply for Hajj permits via the Nusuk app or the official online portal. First-time pilgrims will be given priority, the authorities said.
In a significant policy shift, the kingdom has introduced new visa restrictions, limiting travelers from 14 countries to single-entry visas. This measure aims to curb unauthorised Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.
The affected countries include Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
According to Saudi authorities, some individuals from these nations misused the one-year multiple-entry visas issued for tourism, business, or family visits by staying illegally for work or performing Hajj without proper authorization.
Last year, approximately 1,301 fatalities were reported during Hajj as an intense heat wave swept through the heavily crowded holy sites. Saudi authorities said 83 per cent of the victims were unregistered pilgrims.