Holiday Ayo - Ahead of the 2025 Hajj season which will take place in June 2025, Saudi Arabia announced a number of new rules to manage congregation density. 

Saudi Arabia officially prohibits children from participating in the Hajj in 2025, in their latest regulations. 

Reported by the Times of India, children are not permitted to perform the Hajj to ensure their safety from the risk of being trapped in large crowds, and facilitate a smoother Hajj experience. 

The ministry emphasized that children may face significant danger during the Hajj, due to large crowds and potentially dangerous conditions. 

Not only that, the Saudi Arabian government is also prioritizing pilgrims who have never performed the Hajj to take part in the Hajj in 2025.

"This is to give as many Muslims as possible the opportunity to undertake the holy journey, at least once in their lifetime," said the Saudi Arabian government.

Citizens and native residents of Saudi Arabia can also now officially register for the 2025 Hajj via the Nusuk app or their official website.

According to the new regulations, Saudi Arabians must verify their biographical details and travel companions during the Hajj.

Previously, Saudi Arabia tightened their visa policy which affected travelers from 14 countries, including Indonesia.

In particular, the Saudi Arabian government has restricted multiple entry visas, impacting business, tourism and family visits.

Reported by the Saudi Visa Office, this new visa policy rule has been in effect since February 1, 2025.

Previously, travelers from these 14 countries could obtain multiple entry visas for one year. 

However, now they can only receive single entry visas which are valid for 30 days. This rule applies to tourist visas, business visas and family visas. 

Meanwhile, Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic or residence visas have not changed. The 14 countries affected by this new visa policy are travelers from Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen. 

One of the reasons why the Saudi Arabian government implemented the latest policy for multiple entry visas. The main concern is unauthorized Hajj participation. 

Many travelers enter Saudi Arabia using multiple entry visas, but stay illegally to perform the Hajj. As a result, this causes overcrowding of congregations, and safety risks.