Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules for the 2025 Hajj season. Starting from the end of April, no one will be able to perform the Hajj without a special pilgrim visa.
An official source within the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Government of Tajikistan (CRA) explained the changes to Asia-Plus agency, noting that previously Tajik pilgrims traveled to Saudi Arabia through tourism companies from other countries a month before the rituals began, which was illegal.
According to the new changes announced by the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia, starting from April 29, 2025, only those with a special Hajj visa will be allowed to enter Mecca and Medina.
Saudi Visa says all foreign citizens must apply for the Saudi Hajj visa through travel agents authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. GCC citizens, who can travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa, must still obtain a Hajj permit, in order to be allowed to perform the Hajj.
The Saudi Hajj visa is granted exclusively for Hajj pilgrimage purposes. All pilgrims are required to leave Saudi Arabia after Hajj, no longer than the 10th day of Muharram.
Saudi’s Ministry of Hajj notes that the Umrah and Hajj visas are free. For Hajj a pilgrim reportedly needs to pay two checks to cover the cost of guides, Zamzam water agents, tent accommodation in Mina and Arafat and transportation costs.
Thus, Tajik citizens traveling to perform the pilgrimage through companies from other countries will no longer be able to visit Mecca legally.
“Tajik citizens mostly perform Umrah (minor pilgrimage) through neighboring countries (Uzbekistan and Russia), and some illegally stay there until the main Hajj. Now this will no longer be possible. With a tourist or business visa, our citizens will not be able to perform the Hajj rituals, and if this happens, they will face strict sanctions,” the source said.
Despite repeated statements from the CRA, some citizens traveled to Hajj through tourist companies from neighboring countries due to the cheaper services. After completing the ritual, they often complained to the CRA about being deceived by these companies.
“Clearly, considering the active advertising of foreign companies online, many Tajik citizens will turn to them again. Last year, such companies brought pilgrims to Mecca and failed to provide further services. This year, the host country of Hajj has decided not to allow such pilgrims into Mecca,” the source added.
What are the consequences?
According to the new rules, those who perform Hajj illegally face fines, six months of imprisonment, and deportation with a 10-year ban on entering Saudi Arabia.
The CRA once again strongly urges the citizens of Tajikistan not to travel to Mecca for Hajj through foreign companies this year to avoid problems and to not lose the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage.
It should be noted that the new Saudi rules only apply to Hajj. Performing Umrah remains unrestricted.
The 2025 Hajj season will begin in mid-May and last until the end of June. The cost of services this year will be 56,800 somonis, with payments processed through Orionbonk.
This year, Saudi Arabia has allocated 7,000 quotas for Tajik citizens to perform Hajj.
It is worth noting that over the last 20 years, around 40 million Muslims from various countries have performed Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Source: ASIA-Plus English / Digpu NewsTex