Saudi Government Slashes Umrah Visa Issuance By 90% Without Warning, Leaving Pilgrims & Agencies In A Fix

Umrah travellers and travel agencies are reeling from an unexpected roadblock—the Saudi government has nearly frozen the issuance of Umrah visas without prior notice. This sudden shift has sent shockwaves through the travel industry, leaving thousands of eager pilgrims stranded and agencies scrambling for solutions. If you were gearing up for your spiritual journey, you might need to put those plans on hold at least for now.

Saudi Arabia’s Surprise Umrah Visa Halt Leaves Pilgrims Stranded

While Saudi officials have remained tight-lipped about the exact reasons behind this abrupt halt, one key issue is overcrowding. The streets of Makkah and Madinah are overflowing with worshippers, reportedly surpassing even the peak of Hajj season. The Nusuk app had initially made Umrah visas easily accessible, but with the sheer volume of applicants, the Saudi government has now pulled the brakes, cutting visa approvals by a staggering 90%.

The Ripple Effect On Pilgrims And Agencies

The disruption has caused chaos for both individual travellers and travel agencies. Many had already booked flights, accommodations, and transport only to now face uncertai

nty. The financial strain is mounting, with agencies working around the clock to process refunds and rework itineraries. The situation isn’t just affecting Bangladeshi travellers; pilgrims from multiple countries are finding themselves in the same frustrating limbo.

What Authorities Are Doing About It

In an attempt to salvage the situation, the Bangladeshi Ministry of Religious Affairs has initiated discussions with Saudi authorities. Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain remains hopeful, suggesting that the matter could be resolved soon. Meanwhile, airlines are being urged to refund ticket money, though passengers may have to bear minor cancellation fees. The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) is also in talks to ensure that those who made advance payments get their money back.

If you are planning an Umrah trip, don’t lose all hope just yet. The current restriction doesn’t mean the doors are completely shut. The latest reports indicate that Umrah travel may still be possible until April 15 though it remains uncertain how many more visas will be issued in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia: Come February 10, Umrah Visitors Will Have To Get This Mandatory Vaccine

What Should Affected Travelers Do Now?

For those who have already paid for flights and accommodations, contacting your travel agency or airline should be your next step. Agencies are working on processing refunds, and authorities are closely monitoring airlines to ensure fair reimbursements. If you haven’t booked yet, waiting for further updates is better than risking financial losses.

The Bottom Line

This sudden visa freeze has left countless pilgrims in limbo, unsure whether their spiritual journey will be delayed or cancelled altogether. While efforts are underway to resolve the issue, travellers must remain patient and vigilant. If Saudi authorities ease the restrictions soon, you might still have a chance to complete your pilgrimage but for now, all eyes are on Riyadh for the next move.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images