New Hajj regulations tighten entry requirements ahead of the pilgrimage season.
Expatriates and residents without official permits will be barred from entering Makkah from Monday, April 13, under new Hajj-season regulations announced by Saudi authorities.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Public Security confirmed that Hajj arrangements requiring residents to obtain entry permits came into effect on April 13, stating that those without valid permits will not be allowed entry into Makkah.
The measures apply to individuals who do not hold a work permit for the Holy Sites, a Makkah-issued residency ID, or a valid Hajj permit.
Strict permit-based entry system
Under the new rules, only individuals with valid documentation will be permitted entry, with checkpoints turning back anyone who does not meet the requirements.
Umrah and visa restrictions
Authorities have set April 18 (Dhul Qada 1) as the final deadline for foreign pilgrims arriving on Umrah visas to leave the Kingdom. The issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusk platform will also be suspended for all categories—including citizens, expatriates, and GCC nationals—from April 18 to May 31, according to Saudi Gazette.
From April 18, entry into Makkah will be restricted to holders of valid Hajj visas only.
Digital permit system
Public Security stated that entry permits for workers during the Hajj season are issued electronically through the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem Portal, integrated with the unified Tasreeh platform for Hajj permit issuance.
Compliance warning
Authorities urged full compliance with the regulations, stressing that the measures are intended to ensure safety and smooth pilgrimage operations, warning that violations will result in punitive action.
