Hajj 2025 has officially come to an end, with over 1.6 million Muslims from more than 150 countries traveling to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual Islamic pilgrimage, the Saudi government announced on June 9.
From India, around 1.75 lakh people registered for the pilgrimage this year. Out of these, 1.2 lakh traveled under the government quota through the Hajj Committee of India, while the rest went through private tour operators.
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a religious duty for Muslims who can afford to travel to Mecca. This year’s Hajj took place between June 4 and June 9, ending with the celebration of Eid al-Adha on June 6 in Saudi Arabia and June 7 in India. Eid al-Adha commemorates the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim.
Massive Arrangements for Hajj 2025
Dr. Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, highlighted the scale and progress of this year’s Hajj.
He shared that:
- Over 1.6 million pilgrims were served
- More than 130 digital services were provided
- Emergency care services increased by 60%
- Over 20,000 buses and trains were used for smooth transportation
He said the goal was to make the journey safe, smooth, inclusive, and spiritually fulfilling.
Visa Ban Lifted for Indians and Others
Earlier in April, Saudi Arabia had temporarily suspended short-term visas for 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Indonesia, to prevent unauthorized entries during the Hajj season.
Many people in previous years had entered Mecca on short-term visas without official Hajj permission, causing overcrowding and making it harder for authorities to manage the event. Some unregistered pilgrims had even lost their lives due to extreme heat and lack of proper facilities.
This temporary visa ban included Umrah, business, and family visit visas and was in place until mid-June 2025.
On June 9, the Saudi government confirmed that this visa suspension has now been lifted, as the Hajj season has ended.
Spiritual Visits to Medina
In addition to Mecca, many pilgrims also visited Medina, home to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Though not a part of the official Hajj, this visit is spiritually important to many Muslims.
Hajj 2026 Planning Already Underway
With Hajj 2025 successfully completed, Saudi Arabia has already started preparing for Hajj 2026.
A statement from the Ministry emphasized the country’s commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Hajj offices worldwide have started receiving initial plans for Hajj 2026, ensuring a better and more organized experience for future pilgrims.
