Saudi Arabia announces Hajj visa rules

In preparation for this year’s Hajj season, 1446 AH, the Ministry of Interior announced several arrangements and procedures aimed at preserving the safety of pilgrims and enabling them to perform the Hajj ritual in safety, ease, and peace of mind.

Saudi Hajj rules

Details of procedures include:

• First: The last date for Umrah visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia was Sunday (Shawwal 15, 1446 AH, corresponding to April 13, 2025)
• Second: The last date for Umrah visa holders to leave the Kingdom is Tuesday (Dhu al-Qi’dah 1, 1446 AH, corresponding to April 29, 2025)
• Third: Starting Wednesday (Shawwal 25, 1446 AH, corresponding to April 23, 2025), residents within the Kingdom wishing to enter Makkah will be required to obtain permits from the relevant authorities. Residents without proper permits will be barred from entering the city of Makkah and will be returned to their original destination. Exemptions apply to residents who hold a work permit in the Holy Sites issued by the relevant authority, those holding a resident ID issued by the city of Makkah, or those with valid Hajj permits. Entry permits to the city of Makkah for residents working during the Hajj season are issued electronically via the “Absher Individuals” and “Muqeem Portal”
• Fourth: Suspending the issuance of Umrah permits through the “Nusuk” platform for citizens of the Kingdom, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, residents within the Kingdom, and holders of other visas from Tuesday (1 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1446 AH, corresponding to April 29, 2025) until Monday (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH, corresponding to June 10, 2025)
• Fifth: No one holding any type of visa will be permitted to enter or remain in the city of Makkah, with the exception of those holding Hajj visas, effective Tuesday (1 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1446 AH, corresponding to April 29, 2025)

The Ministry of Interior called for adherence to the regulations governing this year’s Hajj season and cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, affirming that violating these instructions will result in legal penalties in Saudi Arabia.