Saudi Arabia Announces Hajj 2025 Preparations and New Entry Rules for Mecca
The Ministry of Interior has started preparations for the Hajj season. The requirement for permits to enter Mecca will be enforced starting April 23.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the notification issued by the Ministry of Interior states that foreigners residing in the Kingdom on Umrah visas must return to their countries by April 29; otherwise, it will be considered a violation.
The Ministry of Interior further states that from April 23 onward, foreigners residing in various cities of Saudi Arabia will require a permit to travel to Mecca. Otherwise, they will be turned back at security checkpoints (e.g., Shumaisi). Foreigners whose residencies were issued in Mecca will be exempt from the permit requirement. Foreigners who need to travel to Mecca or the holy sites for work must obtain permits through the “Absher” or “Muqeem” portals, depending on the nature of their work.
For Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens or foreigners residing in the Kingdom on other visas (excluding Umrah), the issuance of Umrah permits through the “Nusk” portal will be suspended from April 29, 2025, until June 10, 2025. The Ministry of Interior has directed that foreigners residing in the Kingdom on all types of visas except Hajj visas will not be allowed to stay in Mecca from the start of the Hajj season (April 29).
The Ministry of Interior emphasizes that these regulations have been established to facilitate Hajj pilgrims and ensure security. Compliance is mandatory, and violations will result in penalties.
Saudi Arabia Announces Hajj 2025 Preparations and New Entry Rules for Mecca
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has officially launched preparations for the Hajj 2025 season, introducing strict entry protocols to manage the influx of millions of pilgrims. Starting April 23, 2025, permits will be mandatory for entering Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, as part of efforts to streamline crowd control and security.
Key Regulations:
- Umrah Visa Holders Must Depart by April 29: Foreign nationals on Umrah visas (a shorter, non-mandatory pilgrimage) are required to leave Saudi Arabia by April 29, 2025, to avoid penalties. This rule ensures that Umrah pilgrims do not overstay and overlap with Hajj preparations.
- Permit Requirements for Non-Residents: From April 23, foreigners residing in other Saudi cities (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah) must obtain permits to enter Mecca. Security checkpoints like Shumaisi will enforce this rule. Exemptions apply only to those whose residency permits were issued in Mecca.
- Work-Related Permits: Foreign workers needing access to Mecca or holy sites (e.g., Mina, Arafat) must apply for permits through Saudi Arabia’s digital platforms:
- Absher Portal: For private-sector employees.
- Muqeem Portal: For government or contracted workers.
- GCC Citizens and Non-Umrah Visa Holders: GCC residents and foreigners on non-Umrah visas (e.g., tourist, business) will be barred from obtaining Umrah permits via the Nusk portal from April 29 to June 10, 2025, aligning with the Hajj season.
- Residency Restrictions: No foreigner on a non-Hajj visa will be allowed to reside in Mecca starting April 29.
Why These Rules Matter
The Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, attracts over 2 million pilgrims annually. Saudi authorities prioritize safety, logistics, and public health during this period. In recent years, the Kingdom has increasingly relied on digital systems (e.g., Absher, Nusk) to manage pilgrim flows, reduce overcrowding, and enhance security. These measures also align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to improve pilgrimage experiences through technology.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violators face fines, deportation, or bans on future visas. The Ministry urges all residents and visitors to adhere to the rules to avoid disruptions.
