Entry to Makkah Will Require a Hajj Permit Starting April 29th
New regulations require pilgrims and workers to obtain official permits to enter Makkah during the Hajj season.
The Ministry of Interior has announced that, effective April 29th, 2025, entry into Makkah will be restricted exclusively to individuals holding official Hajj permits. This measure aims to regulate the influx of pilgrims and ensure the safety and security of the Hajj season.
Expatriates without valid permits will be barred from entering Makkah starting April 23rd, 2025. Permits will be granted only to those whose residency is officially registered in Makkah, individuals holding a valid Hajj permit, or those authorized to work within the holy sites. Applications for permits can be submitted electronically through the Absher Individuals platform or the Muqeem portal.
Additionally, the issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusuk platform will be suspended for Saudi citizens, GCC nationals, expatriates in Saudi Arabia, and other visa holders effective April 29th, 2025. This suspension will remain in effect until June 10th, 2025.
The Ministry emphasized that violators of these regulations will face legal penalties and urged all individuals and Hajj service providers to comply with the new measures to maintain the sanctity and safety of the pilgrimage.
