Sunday, April 13, 2025
Saudi Arabia restricts entering into Makkah without a permit or Hajj visa starting 29th April
Starting April 29, Saudi Arabia will ban all visitors to Makkah who do not possess a Hajj visa from entering or staying in the city of Makkah. Additionally, beginning on April 23, expats will not be able to visit Makkah without a proper visa. Trending: Saudi Arabia suspends short-term visas for 14 countries ahead of Hajj
Only those with a valid Hajj permit, an officially registered Makkah residency, or a valid job authorization within the holy sites will be allowed admission permits. Electronic requests for the permits can be made through the Muqeem site or the Absher Individuals platform.
This change is all a part of a larger plan to control the Hajj season this year and make sure that all pilgrims are safe. On Saturday, the Ministry of Interior unveiled new regulations for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage season.
The last day for foreign pilgrims to depart the kingdom is Tuesday, 1 Dhul-Qi'dah 1446, which is April 29, 2025. On Sunday, 15 Shawwal 1446, or April 13, 2025, Umrah pilgrims will have their final opportunity to enter the Kingdom. Related: Ministry of Hajj announces the last date of entry and exit from Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrims
Official Hajj visas must be obtained by foreigners wishing to enter Makkah from the appropriate authorities starting Wednesday, 25 Shawwal 1446, which is April 23, 2025. Those without proper Hajj permissions will be turned away and sent back to where they came from.
Effective Tuesday, April 29, the ministry said that all visa holders, including Saudi residents, GCC nations, expats in Saudi Arabia, and others, will no longer be able to get Umrah permits using the Nusuk platform. Until Monday, 14 Dhul-Hijjah 1446, which is June 10, 2025, the ban will be in force.
Starting on April 29, only holders of official Hajj visas will be allowed entry into Makkah or to remain within the city, according to the ministry.
Violators will be subject to legal consequences, the ministry warned, and it called on all individuals, businesses, and organizations offering Hajj services to adhere to these restrictions. To keep the journey sacred and secure, it stressed the importance of working together. See Also: Jawazat now allows iqama renewal of expats whose dependents are outside the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia restricts entering into Makkah without a permit or Hajj visa starting 29th April. Saudi-Expatriates.com
