DUBAI: In preparation for Hajj 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has introduced a detailed set of rules regulating access to the Holy City of Makkah.
The measures, revealed on Sunday, aim to manage the annual influx of pilgrims while maintaining order and safety throughout the Hajj season.
The newly issued guidelines set a final entry date for Umrah visa holders on Sunday, 13 April 2025. Their departure must be completed by Tuesday, 29 April 2025. Any overstay beyond this deadline will be considered a violation, subject to legal consequences.
From Wednesday, 23 April 2025, entry into Makkah will be tightly controlled. Individuals must present one of the following: a valid work permit issued for the holy sites, a residency ID registered in Makkah, or an authorised Hajj permit. Those failing to meet the criteria will be denied entry and redirected at key checkpoints such as Al Shumaisi.
Permit enforcement
The ministry clarified that foreign residents across other parts of the Kingdom will not be permitted to enter Makkah unless they acquire an official permit. Additionally, individuals with any visa type other than a Hajj visa will be restricted from entering or remaining in the city from 29 April 2025 onwards.
Authorities will also halt the issuance of Umrah permits via the government’s "Nusuk" platform from 29 April to 10 June 2025. This pause affects Saudi citizens, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents, and all other visa holders. This regulation coincides with the beginning of Dhul-Qidah, 1446 AH, which marks the official Hajj period.
Moreover, those who need to enter Makkah for work purposes must obtain electronic permits through the "Absher Individuals" or "Muqeem" portals. These are required for workers employed in the Holy Sites during the pilgrimage season.
Hotel regulations
The Ministry of Tourism has issued a directive to all hospitality facilities within Makkah, instructing them not to host any guests lacking official Hajj or residency permits. This instruction becomes effective from 29 April 2025 and will continue throughout the Hajj period.
All establishments are expected to fully comply with the latest safety regulations, and those found accommodating unauthorised individuals will face penalties. The directive is aligned with the Ministry of Interior’s wider efforts to streamline Hajj operations and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Hospitality providers must also coordinate closely with relevant authorities to verify guest documentation during this sensitive period. The ministry reaffirmed its intention to enforce strict legal consequences for any violation of these terms.