Saudi Arabia bans children from Hajj 2025, tightens visa rules
Saudi Arabia has announced that children will not be allowed to take part in Hajj 2025.
Officials say the move is to keep children safe and prevent risks caused by overcrowding.
Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca for Hajj, and the large crowds sometimes pose danger, especially for young children.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also said that people going for Hajj for the first time will be given priority this year.
Registration for Hajj 2025 has started, and Saudi citizens and residents can apply through the Nusuk app or an official website by confirming their details and listing any companions. Pilgrims can now also pay for their Hajj packages in three instalments.
Saudi Arabia has also made a big change to its visa rules, local reports say. From February 1, people from 14 countries, including India, will only be able to apply for single-entry visas.
Before this, many people entered Saudi Arabia on multiple-entry visas and performed Hajj without official permission, leading to overcrowding at holy sites.
The new rule affects travellers from several countries including Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has stopped issuing one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits for people from these countries.
Now, they can only get a visa that allows them to stay for 30 days.
