RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has started full-scale preparations for the Hajj 2025 season. It will enforce new entry restrictions to Makkah starting April 23, 2025.
Arab media reports say the Ministry has ordered all foreign nationals on Umrah visas to leave the Kingdom by April 29. Anyone who stays beyond that date will violate visa rules.
From April 23, expatriates living in other Saudi cities will need a special permit to enter Makkah. Security checkpoints, including Al-Shumaisi, will turn back those without permits.
Expatriates whose Iqamas are registered in Makkah do not need a permit.
The government will impose strict penalties on Hajj and Umrah service providers for overstay violations.
Foreign workers entering Makkah or the holy sites (Mashair-e-Muqaddasah) for professional duties must get permits. They can apply through the ‘Absher’ or ‘Muqeem’ portals, depending on their job.
The Ministry will suspend Umrah permits on the ‘Nusuk’ portal from April 29 to June 10, 2025. This applies to GCC citizens and foreigners in Saudi Arabia on non-Umrah visas.
Only those with Hajj visas can stay in Makkah after April 29. Foreigners on all other visa types must leave.
The Ministry stressed that these rules aim to ensure the safety and smooth flow of Hajj pilgrims. Anyone who breaks the law will face legal action.
