New Hajj rules block unauthorised access to Mecca, tighten Umrah deadlines
Permit-only access enforced as pilgrimage preparations intensify
DUBAI – Saudi Arabia has introduced sweeping restrictions on entry into Makkah as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, with new regulations coming into force from today.
The measures, announced by authorities and confirmed through official channels, aim to regulate the flow of pilgrims and ensure safety during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The latest directives apply to expatriates and residents across the Kingdom, signalling a shift towards stricter enforcement through a permit-based system. With Hajj 2026 expected to take place between May 25 and May 30, authorities have accelerated preparations to manage crowd control and streamline pilgrimage operations.
Entry rules
Under the new framework, entry into Mecca is strictly limited to individuals holding valid permits issued by relevant authorities. Residents and expatriates without authorised documentation will be turned back at checkpoints positioned along routes leading into the city.
Only specific categories of individuals are permitted entry. These include those holding a residency permit issued in Mecca, individuals with valid Hajj permits, and workers assigned to the holy sites with official work authorisation.
Authorities have clarified that any attempt to enter the city without proper documentation will result in denial of access, with enforcement agencies actively monitoring compliance on the ground. The measures are designed to prevent overcrowding and ensure that only authorised pilgrims and personnel are present during the peak period.
Umrah limits
Alongside entry restrictions, Saudi Arabia has also announced a suspension of Umrah-related services during the peak Hajj preparation window. The issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform will be halted from April 18 until May 31. This suspension applies to all categories, including Saudi citizens, expatriates, and GCC nationals.
In addition, April 18 has been set as the final deadline for foreign pilgrims currently in the Kingdom on Umrah visas to depart. Authorities have instructed that all such visitors must exit Saudi Arabia by this date, marking a clear transition from the Umrah period to the Hajj season.
From the same date, entry into Mecca will be restricted exclusively to those holding valid Hajj visas, effectively barring all other visa holders from accessing the city. These steps are intended to ensure a clear distinction between Umrah and Hajj operations while maintaining logistical efficiency.
Digital system
To facilitate compliance, Saudi authorities have introduced a fully integrated digital permit system for workers and authorised individuals. Entry permits for the Hajj season are issued electronically through the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal. Both systems are linked to the unified Tasreeh platform, which centralises Hajj permit issuance.
The Absher platform caters to a broad range of users, including GCC citizens, premium residency holders, investors, domestic workers, and family members of Saudi nationals. Meanwhile, the Muqeem portal is designated for employees working in establishments based in Mecca.
The General Directorate of Passports has opened applications for these permits, allowing eligible individuals to secure approval in advance of the pilgrimage season. Authorities have emphasised that digital integration is key to improving efficiency and reducing congestion at physical checkpoints.
Saudi officials have urged all residents and visitors to adhere strictly to the updated regulations, warning that violations may result in legal penalties. The measures form part of a broader operational plan to ensure safety, security, and smooth movement during Hajj, as millions of pilgrims are expected to converge on the holy city in the coming weeks.