These are the new Makkah entry rules to know about
Plus visa updates ahead of Hajj season
Hajj season will begin at the end of May, and preparations are already well underway with the Saudi authorities announcing new Makkah entry rules for this period. The rules apply to visas, Umrah permits, and general entry into the Holy City.
Expected to take place approximately between May 25 and May 30, the new Makkah entry rules were announced by the Ministry of Interior in the Kingdom to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
In preparation for this year’s Hajj season 1447 AH, the Ministry of Interior announces a number of arrangements and procedures aimed at preserving the safety of the pilgrims.#No_Hajj_Without_Permit pic.twitter.com/magfevPAwI
— وزارة الداخلية 🇸🇦 (@MOISaudiArabia) April 13, 2026
You can no longer enter Makkah without a permit
Starting from Monday April 13, 2026, those who want to enter Makkah can only do so with a permit from the relevant authorities, according to Khaleej Times. Those who can enter the city include individuals with:
- A residency permit issued in Makkah
- A Hajj permit or work permit issued for the Holy Sites
The General Directorate of Passports of Saudi Arabia has also launched applications for Makkah entry permits for resident workers during this Hajj season. Applications can be submitted via the Absher and Muqeem portals. The ‘Absher Individuals’ platform can be used by GCC citizens, ‘Premium Residency’ holders in Saudi Arabia, investors, mothers of Saudi citizens, domestic workers, and non-Saudi family members. The ‘Muqeem’ portal can be used by employees of Makkah-based establishments. The Ministry also announced that no entry or stay will be allowed in Makkah for anyone without a Hajj visa.
And for Umrah visa holders, the last date for those arriving on an Umrah visa to leave the Kingdom is Saturday April 18.
Suspension of Umrah permits
The issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusuk platform will be suspended from April 18 to May 31.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Interior, violating these regulations can lead to legal penalties. The Ministry of Interior has called for adherence to this year’s regulations governing the Hajj season.
For more information, please visit: @MOISaudiArabia
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