Saudi Arabia Introduces Major Changes for Hajj 2025: No Children Allowed, New Visa Policies

In a significant move ahead of Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has announced sweeping changes to the pilgrimage regulations, including a ban on children accompanying pilgrims and a revision of visa policies for visitors from 14 countries. The changes are aimed at improving safety, managing crowd control, and ensuring a smoother experience for all pilgrims.

Children Banned from Hajj 2025 for Safety Reasons

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially confirmed that children will no longer be allowed to accompany pilgrims during Hajj in 2025. The decision was made to address concerns over overcrowding, which has been a long-standing challenge during the pilgrimage.

“This step has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to mitigate any potential harm during the Hajj pilgrimage,” the Ministry stated.

By restricting Hajj participation to adults, authorities hope to reduce congestion and prioritize first-time pilgrims. The government has also reiterated its commitment to enhancing safety measures for all attendees.

Hajj Registration and Package Sales Now Open

Pilgrims looking to perform Hajj in 2025 can now begin their registration process. Saudi citizens and residents can register via the Nusuk app or the official Hajj portal. During the registration, applicants must verify their details and list any companions accompanying them on the pilgrimage.

To further streamline the process, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a flexible payment plan for domestic pilgrims, allowing them to pay for Hajj packages in three installments.

New Visa Rules Impacting 14 Countries

Saudi Arabia has also revised its visa policies, particularly affecting visitors from India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and 11 other nations. The key changes include:

• Single-Entry Visa Only: From February 1, citizens of 14 countries will only be eligible for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.
• Ban on Multiple-Entry Visas: One-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits have been indefinitely suspended for these nations.
• Preventing Unauthorized Pilgrims: The policy is designed to prevent individuals from entering the country on tourist or business visas and performing Hajj without official registration.

The affected countries include:
Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to a Safe and Organized Hajj

These changes reflect Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance security, manage overcrowding, and prioritize first-time pilgrims. With millions of people expected to visit the holy sites in 2025, authorities are implementing stricter regulations to improve the overall Hajj experience.

As the pilgrimage season approaches, prospective pilgrims are encouraged to stay updated on the latest guidelines and register early to ensure a seamless experience.