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Saudi Arabia announces ban on non-Hajj visitors in Makkah hotels during pilgrimage season
April 13 is the last day for Umrah visa holders to enter the Kingdom and they have to leave the country before April 29
- PUBLISHED: Sun 13 Apr 2025, 6:29 PM
- By:
- Web Desk
All hospitality facilities in Makkah have been prohibited from accommodating visitors without a valid Haj permit or an entry permit for work or residence in the city during the annual pilgrimage season.
This directive, issued by the Ministry of Tourism, will be in effect from Dhul-Qi'dah 1, 1446 AH (April 29, 2025) until the conclusion of the Hajj season.
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Special arrangements and procedures have been announced by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to ensure the safety of pilgrims at the Holy Mosque and to enable them to perform the Haj pilgrimage with security, ease, and peace of mind. These measures include a restriction on entry to Makkah or staying in the city for individuals arriving with any type of visa, except for those holding a Haj visa.
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The MoI announced that the last date for Umrah visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia is April 13, and they have to leave the Kingdom before April 29.
Starting Wednesday, April 23, Saudi residents wishing to enter Makkah must obtain permits from the relevant authorities. Residents without 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 Haj permits. Entry permits to the city of Makkah for residents working during the Haj season are issued electronically via the 'Absher Individuals' and 'Muqeem Portal.'
The authorities have also suspended the issuance of Umrah permits through the "Nusuk" platform for Saudi citizens, GCC countries, residents within the Kingdom, and holders of other visas from Tuesday, April 29, until Monday, June 10.
According to MoI, no one holding any visa will be permitted to enter or remain in Makkah, except those holding Haj visas, effective Tuesday, April 29.
The Ministry of Tourism has urged all hospitality facilities in Makkah, regardless of type, to comply with the arrangements and procedures governing this year’s Haj season (1446 AH). It also stressed the importance of cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure the security and safety of visitors. The Ministry further noted that violations of these directives will result in legal penalties for offenders.
