Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended various types of visas for citizens from 14 countries, including Nigeria, to curb unauthorized pilgrimages before the 2025 Hajj season. The visa suspension targets countries where individuals often attempt to undertake the pilgrimage without official permits, which presents safety and logistical risks. The suspension is expected to last until mid-June, when the Hajj concludes, with exceptions for Umrah visa holders allowed entry until April 13.
Aside from Nigeria, the affected countries include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco. This measure aims to reduce unauthorized pilgrimages that deprive individuals of necessary services such as medical care and air-conditioned accommodations, which can be hazardous during the physically demanding Hajj journey.
Saudi authorities emphasized that individuals caught residing illegally in the Kingdom could face a five-year entry ban. This policy change follows incidents like the 2024 Hajj season, where many deaths were linked to unregistered pilgrims.
The Nigerian government has clarified that its citizens are not directly impacted by this visa ban. However, Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed with Saudi authorities that the memo is false. The current guidelines only apply to the Hajj pilgrimage. Tourist visa holders cannot perform Hajj or enter Makkah between April 29 and June 11. Minister Tuggar advised confirming travel details through official sources.
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