Riyadh – In preparation for the upcoming Hajj 1446H (2025) season, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced strict entry regulations for Makkah to ensure a safe, organized, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage. These measures reflect the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to managing the holy sites with utmost precision and care in line with its strategic goals for Hajj management.
Permit Requirement Begins April 23, 2025
Effective April 23, all expatriates and residents within the Kingdom must obtain official entry permits to enter the holy city of Makkah. These permits are now available electronically via the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal.
Exemptions Apply to the Following Categories:
- Holders of valid Makkah residence IDs
- Individuals with official work permits for the holy sites
- Pilgrims possessing verified Hajj permits
The directive ensures that only authorized individuals may access Makkah, reducing congestion and allowing for proper crowd control.
Exclusive Entry for Hajj Visa Holders from April 29, 2025
As of April 29, entry into Makkah will be restricted exclusively to Hajj visa holders. This includes:
- Foreign nationals residing in the Kingdom on Umrah or visit visas who must exit Saudi Arabia by April 29
- Suspension of all Umrah permit issuance through the Nusuk platform between April 29 and June 10, 2025
These restrictions apply not only at Makkah’s main entry points but also to hotels and accommodations in the city. Starting April 29, the Ministry of Tourism has directed all hospitality establishments in Makkah not to host individuals without a valid Hajj permit.
Penalties for Violations
To preserve the sanctity and safety of Hajj, violators of the new entry rules may face:
- Fines up to SAR 100,000
- Deportation (for foreign nationals)
- Permanent bans from re-entry into the Kingdom
The Ministry of Interior and relevant security agencies will enforce these penalties, and checkpoints and surveillance mechanisms have already been activated across Makkah’s entry routes.
A Strategic Step Under Vision 2030
These regulatory measures are part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy under Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the management of the Two Holy Mosques and ensure a smooth, dignified, and safe pilgrimage for all Muslims.
Saudi authorities have reiterated that crowd management, health safety, and logistical readiness are top priorities for Hajj 2025. The digital transformation of visa and permit systems via platforms like Absher, Muqeem, and Nusuk is a testament to the Kingdom’s leading role in modernizing pilgrimage infrastructure and operations.
For official updates and permit applications:
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I’m Soha Owais, an aspiring legal professional in my LLB Hons Finals, combining my passion for law with a talent for storytelling. As an author and writer at Saudiscoop.com, I create compelling narratives that connect with both local and global audiences, offering fresh insights into impactful stories.
