Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced the commencement of full-scale preparations for the upcoming Hajj season, including the enforcement of new entry restrictions to Makkah starting April 23, 2025.

According to reports by Arab media, the Ministry has stated that all foreign nationals currently in the Kingdom on Umrah visas must leave by April 29, or else they will be considered in violation of visa rules.

Beginning April 23, expatriates residing in various Saudi cities will require a special permit to enter Makkah. Those without permits will be turned back at security checkpoints such as Al-Shumaisi and others.

However, expatriates whose residency permits (Iqamas) are registered in Makkah are exempt from this requirement.

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Additionally, foreign workers who need to enter Makkah or the holy sites (Mashair-e-Muqaddasah) for professional duties must obtain permits through the ‘Absher’ or ‘Muqeem’ portals based on the nature of their work.

The issuance of Umrah permits through the ‘Nusuk’ portal for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and foreigners residing in Saudi Arabia on non-Umrah visas will be suspended from April 29, 2025, until June 10, 2025.

The Ministry further clarified that, with the exception of Hajj visa holders, foreigners on any other type of visa will not be allowed to stay in Makkah starting from April 29.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that these measures are being implemented to ensure the safety, security, and smooth experience of Hajj pilgrims. Violations of these regulations will result in legal consequences as per Saudi law.

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