27-03-2025
Indian pilgrims urged to finalise Hajj 2025 bookings by April 15
Indian pilgrims intending to perform Hajj this year are urged to complete their bookings by April 15, 2025, in line with the latest directives from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The deadline for issuing Hajj visas has been set for April 18, 2025, making early bookings essential for a smooth and organised travel process.
Private tour operators facilitating Hajj travel from India have advised pilgrims to secure their bookings well in advance. In previous years, Hajj visas were issued up to a week before the pilgrimage, with most bookings through Indian private tour operators taking place after Ramadan. However, the revised timelines now require all bookings to be completed much earlier.
Nabil Khan, spokesperson for 3N Travel & Tourist Bureau, a leading Hajj Group Organiser (HGO) and one of India's authorised Coordinating Hajj Group Organisers (CHGO), emphasised the importance of adhering to the updated guidelines. Speaking from the company's UAE office, he said: "We strongly advise all pilgrims planning to perform Hajj through Indian private tour operators to finalise their bookings before April 15, 2025, in compliance with the ministry's current timeline. All 26 CHGOs in India have formally requested the Ministry of Minority Affairs to seek an extension from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the visa issuance deadline. However, no confirmation has been received as yet. To avoid any uncertainties, we urge all intending pilgrims to complete their bookings before the stipulated deadline to ensure visa issuance."
Khan also stressed the importance of booking through authorised tour operators. "All HGOs for 2025 have received official quota certificates, which can be verified to confirm the authenticity of the organiser. We strongly advise pilgrims to avoid unauthorised operators to prevent any inconvenience," he added.
For Hajj 2025, Indian private tour operators have been allocated a quota of 52,507 pilgrims, with the allocation process completed earlier than in previous years. Authorities have urged all intending pilgrims and travel operators to strictly adhere to the deadlines to facilitate a seamless travel experience.
The updated visa issuance deadlines, issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, have been communicated to India's Ministry of Minority Affairs, which has in turn shared them with all private tour operators across the country.
