New Hajj 2025 rules: Entry, permits, and penalties explained
Makkah entry banned without permits from April 23 for residents
DUBAI: In a bid to maintain safety and order during the annual pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has unveiled updated Hajj regulations for the year 1446 AH (2025).
The rules, which affect both citizens and residents of the Kingdom, outline strict deadlines, permit requirements, and penalties for non-compliance.
These measures are part of a coordinated effort to manage the influx of pilgrims and safeguard the sanctity of the holy sites.
Permit requirement
From Wednesday, April 23, 2025 (Shawwal 25, 1446 AH), entry into Makkah will be restricted to individuals with valid authorisation. Permits are mandatory for all residents not registered in Makkah. Individuals will only be allowed through city checkpoints if they carry one of the following:
- A permit to work at the holy sites, issued by authorised bodies
- A residency card showing Mecca as their registered city
- A valid Hajj permit obtained through official channels
Permits can be applied for electronically through the “Absher Individuals” and “Muqeem” platforms, both integrated with the unified permit system “Tasreeh.” These digital tools aim to simplify access and reduce the burden on passport offices during the busy season.
Visa cut-offs
The Kingdom has set Sunday, April 13, 2025 (Shawwal 15, 1446 AH) as the final date for Umrah visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims holding these visas must exit the country by Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (Dhu al-Qi’dah 1, 1446 AH), or face legal action. Any stay beyond this date will be treated as a violation of immigration laws and may result in imprisonment, fines, or deportation.
In a parallel move, from April 29 to June 10, 2025 (1 Dhu al-Qi’dah to 14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), Umrah permits issued via the “Nusuk” platform will be suspended. This applies to Saudi citizens, GCC nationals, residents, and all visitors holding other visa types.
Furthermore, from April 29 onwards, only those with an official Hajj visa will be allowed to enter or remain in Makkah. Visitors holding tourist, business, or visit visas will be barred from access and redirected at checkpoints.
Penalties and enforcement
Saudi authorities have reaffirmed that any violation of the outlined procedures will invite legal penalties. These include deportation, fines, and possible imprisonment, particularly for those overstaying Umrah visas or attempting to enter Makkah without proper documentation.
Additionally, the Ministry has warned pilgrims and residents about fraudulent Hajj campaigns that offer unlicensed services and fake permits, particularly via social media. Residents are urged to report such scams to local authorities or via designated hotlines.
To streamline coordination and enhance security, the government has introduced the Tasreeh permit system, developed in collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). This central platform manages access for pilgrims, staff, volunteers, and vehicles and syncs with apps like Tawakkalna to display permit statuses.
With the countdown to Hajj 2025 underway, the Ministry of Interior has stressed the importance of strict compliance with these guidelines to ensure a safe, organised pilgrimage experience for all.