Saudi Administration bans entry to Mecca without Hajj permit

Saudi Arabia announced sweeping new entry restrictions for Mecca, barring individuals without Hajj permits from entering or remaining in the holy city starting later this month, in a bid to regulate the upcoming Hajj season and safeguard the security of millions of pilgrims.

According to the Ministry of Interior, beginning April 29, 2025, only holders of official Hajj visas will be permitted to enter or stay in Mecca. Expatriates without a valid Hajj permit will be prohibited from entering the city starting April 23, corresponding to 25 Shawwal 1446 in the Islamic calendar. The measures, unveiled Saturday, are part of a regulatory framework designed to ensure order during the annual pilgrimage.

Entry permits will be granted solely to residents whose national IDs indicate Mecca as their place of residence, individuals holding valid Hajj permits, and those authorized to work within the holy sites. Requests for these permits can be filed electronically through the Absher Individuals platform or the Muqeem portal.

The ministry also announced a temporary halt to the issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusuk platform for Saudi citizens, GCC nationals, residents, and visitors starting April 29.

The suspension will remain in effect until June 10, corresponding to 14 Dhul-Hijjah 1446. Authorities stressed that any individual attempting to enter Mecca without the necessary documentation will be turned back and subject to

Service providers and companies involved in Hajj operations have been instructed to adhere strictly to the new regulations. “The safety and sanctity of the Hajj are a top priority,” the ministry said in a statement. “Full cooperation is essential to facilitate a smooth and secure pilgrimage for all.”

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is expected to draw more than two million pilgrims this year.

Saudi Arabia has increasingly implemented digital systems and tighter controls in recent years to streamline access and reduce overcrowding during the sacred ritual.