Before embarking on your spiritual journey to accomplish theUmrahit is essential to pay particular attention to the validity of your visa. As we approach the Hajj 2025The Saudi authorities are introducing restrictions that may affect your pilgrimage. Make sure you have the necessary documents that comply with the new standards, so that you can enjoy this religious experience without a hitch.
Before starting your pilgrimage to MeccaIt is essential to check the validity of your Umrah visa. As the Hajj 2025 approaches, the Saudi authorities have already announced restrictions that directly affect Umrah visas. This article highlights the new guidelines for Umrah visasIn order to guarantee unhindered access to the Holy Places, the deadlines to be respected and the conditions to be met.
To prepare for your trip, note that Umrah visas issued in 2025 will only be valid until 13 April 2025. It is essential to respect this deadline. After the 13 AprilOmra visa holders will no longer be able to enter Saudi Arabia with this document. In addition, all pilgrims must leave Saudi territory by 29 April 2025. After this date, it will be impossible to perform the Umrah, regardless of the nationality of the travellers.
Entry and exit deadline for pilgrims
Tourists wishing to perform Umrah must pay close attention to the following deadlines. Those with Umrah visas must enter Saudi Arabia before 13 April 2025 and leave the country by 29 April 2025. These strict deadlines are in place to manage the influx of pilgrims expected for the Hajj, and concern all nationalities.
The new types of visa: tourist and Umrah
It has been announced that from April 2025, only tourist visas will be issued for certain nationalities, in particular holders of French, European and American passports. This means that these travellers will be able to apply for a tourist visa instead of an Umrah visa. However, to obtain this tourist visa, a number of conditions must be met, including the validity of the passport and other documents.
Conditions for obtaining a tourist visa
The conditions for obtaining a tourist visa are quite precise:
- Valid passport It must be valid for at least six months after the planned return date.
- Residence permit This must be valid.
- Passport photo A recent photo with a white background is required.
Consequences of failing to meet deadlines
Missing deadlines can have serious consequences. serious consequences for pilgrims. All travellers must leave Saudi Arabia no later than 29 April 2025The risk is that you will not be able to perform the Umrah, or even be allowed to enter Mecca. It is therefore essential to plan your trip carefully to avoid any inconvenience.
Limited access after 29 April
After the 29 Aprilaccess to Mecca will be restricted and will require special authorisation called tasrih. This permit is not intended for pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah on a tourist visa. It is therefore crucial to be well informed and prepared in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
Omras resume after the Hajj
For those planning to perform Umrah after the Hajj, Umrahs will resume from 15th of Dhul Hijjacorresponding to 11 June 2025. It is therefore advisable to bear this in mind when planning your trip.
The fight against Hajj fraud
The Saudi authorities are introducing these restrictions to facilitate the organisation of a safe Hajj while limiting the number of visitors to the Kingdom. This is to combat fraud circumventing the strict rules of the Hajj, such as using Umra visas in an attempt to make the pilgrimage without official authorisation. Be vigilant and respect the rules in force to enjoy your spiritual experience in peace.
Compulsory vaccines and other requirements may also vary, so it's advisable to check the rules in force before you leave. Also, make sure you know how long you can stay in the country with an e-Visa.
Comparison of visa conditions for Umrah and Hajj 2025
| Type of visa | Details |
| Umrah visa | Valid until 13 April 2025 |
| Entry deadline | 13 April 2025 for Umrah visa holders |
| Release date | 29 April 2025 for all pilgrims |
| Tourist Visa (April 2025) | Only available for French, European and American passports |
| Conditions of validity | Passport valid 6 months after return, valid residence permit, recent photo |
| Access to Mecca after 29 April | Access restriction requiring tasrih |
| Resumption of the Omras | From 15 Dhul Hijja, corresponding to 11 June 2025 |
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