New biometric devices aim to speed up arrivals at airports, ports and border crossings.
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has begun deploying mobile counter devices across international entry points to streamline the arrival of pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj season.
The authority said the initiative covers airports, land crossings and seaports, using advanced technologies to ensure high levels of security and reliability while speeding up entry procedures.
The mobile counters enable faster processing by capturing biometric data, taking facial images and reading passport details on the spot—helping reduce waiting times and ease congestion during peak arrivals.
Officials said the devices are particularly aimed at assisting elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities, enabling faster and more accessible processing without the need to queue at traditional counters.
The move is part of broader preparations by Saudi Arabia to manage the annual influx of millions of pilgrims expected for Hajj 2026, with authorities scaling up digital infrastructure, crowd management systems and transport logistics to enhance safety, efficiency and the overall pilgrimage experience.
