Hajj 2025: 6 important rules and changes you need to know

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Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Makkah and is one of the five pillars of Islam. The rites of pilgrimage are performed over five to six days, extending from the 8th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah (the corresponding dates on the Gregorian calendar are Wednesday June 4 to Monday June 9). These are the important Hajj 2025 rules you need to know.

The rules have been announced by the Ministry of Interior to preserve the safety of pilgrims, and have been reported by the Saudi Press Agency. They are as follows:

• The last date for Umrah visa holders to enter the Kingdom is Sunday April 13.
• The last date for Umrah visa holders to leave the Kingdom is Tuesday April 29.

• Starting Wednesday April 23, residents within the Kingdom wishing to enter Makkah will be required to obtain permits from the relevant authorities. Residents without proper permits will be barred from entering the city of Makkah and will be returned to their original destination. Exemptions apply to residents who hold a work permit in the Holy Sites issued by the relevant authority, those holding a resident ID issued by the city of Makkah, or those with valid Hajj permits. Entry permits to the city of Makkah for residents working during the Hajj season are issued electronically via the “Absher Individuals” and “Muqeem Portal.”
• Umrah permits will no longer be issued through the “Nusuk” platform for citizens of the Kingdom, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, residents within the Kingdom, and holders of other visas from Tuesday April 29 until Monday June 10.

Between the hope for acceptance and the plea for forgiveness, tongues here hum with supplication.#Ease_and_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/gZxjm3Bh2g

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) April 12, 2025

• No one holding any type of visa will be permitted to enter or remain in the city of Makkah, except those holding Hajj visas, starting Tuesday April 29.
• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary ban on issuing new short-term visas for citizens of 14 countries in an effort to control and regulate travel traffic ahead of the upcoming Hajj Season. This includes business visit visas (both single- and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas. Countries include India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.

Visit: hajj.nusuk.sa

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