Saudi Arabia Suspends Visas for Nigeria and 13 Other Countries Ahead of Hajj
In preparation for the upcoming Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries — including Nigeria, Egypt, India, and Pakistan.
Officials say the move is to prevent unregistered individuals from entering the Kingdom to perform Hajj without proper permits. In 2024, over 400,000 unregistered pilgrims joined the pilgrimage, leading to overcrowding and serious safety risks. Sadly, 1,301 d+aths. were recorded—most due to heat-related causes, and many without official Hajj permits.
Authorities are also addressing the misuse of visit and business visas by individuals who stay beyond their visa periods or work illegally, which violates Saudi laws and strains local infrastructure.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the suspension is meant to “enhance safety and streamline travel” during Hajj. Anyone found overstaying or in violation of visa rules may face a 5-year entry ban.
The affected countries are: Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
Umrah visa holders will still be allowed entry until April 13, after which the suspension remains in place until mid-June, when the Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
With each country limited by a Hajj quota, many attempt to bypass the system due to the high cost of official packages. But unregistered pilgrims are often denied access to essential services—such as air-conditioned tents, medical care, and ambulances—making the journey even more d+ngerous.
Nigerians planning Hajj or Umrah are advised to go through official channels to ensure safety and compliance.
