Key Takeaways
- From April 13, entry to Makkah is restricted to people with a valid Hajj permit, Makkah-issued iqama, or an authorised work permit for holy sites.
- Security checkpoints will turn back travellers who do not meet the permit rules under the “No Hajj without a permit” policy.
- Foreign Umrah pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia by April 18 (1 Dhul Qada), according to Saudi authorities.
- Umrah permits on the Nusuk platform are suspended from April 18 to May 31, and non-Hajj visa holders are barred from staying in Makkah during this period.
- Pilgrims and residents can apply for digital entry permits via Absher and the Muqeem portal to avoid travel disruption.
What the new Makkah entry rules say
Saudi Arabia has introduced strict controls for entry into Makkah as it prepares for the 2026 Hajj season. Under the Ministry of Interior’s instructions, expatriates and other visitors will not be allowed to enter Makkah unless they hold one of the required permissions.
The permitted categories are clear: a valid Hajj permit, a residency permit (iqama) issued in Makkah, or an authorised work permit for the holy sites. Authorities have stated that everyone else will be stopped at security checkpoints and turned back.
This is part of the wider “No Hajj without a permit” policy. The purpose is to manage crowd flow, reduce illegal or unregistered pilgrims, and ensure that services and safety systems can handle the numbers expected during Hajj.
For many travellers, the key detail is timing: the restriction begins on April 13. That means anyone planning to travel into Makkah during the preparation period must ensure they qualify under the permitted categories before starting their journey.
Deadlines for Umrah travellers and Nusuk suspension
Saudi authorities have also set an exit deadline for foreign Umrah pilgrims. April 18 (1 Dhul Qada) has been announced as the final date for Umrah visa holders to leave the Kingdom.
In addition, Umrah permits issued through the Nusuk platform will remain suspended from April 18 until May 31. The restriction period also includes a broader rule: non-Hajj visa holders are prohibited from entering or staying in Makkah during this window.
These steps are meant to reduce congestion and prevent mixed flows of visitors during Hajj preparations. In past seasons, overcrowding and unregistered visitors have created pressure on transport, accommodation, and health services. By enforcing deadlines and suspending Umrah permits, Saudi Arabia is trying to clear capacity and reduce last-minute crowd risks.
If you are currently in the Kingdom for Umrah, this is the practical takeaway: plan your departure before April 18 to avoid compliance issues. If you are outside the Kingdom and planning Umrah, expect that permits may not be available through Nusuk during the suspension period.
Who is allowed in and how digital permits work
Saudi Arabia is not only restricting entry; it is also moving the process online. Pilgrims and residents can obtain digital entry permissions through platforms including Absher and the Muqeem portal. This reduces the need for in-person visits and helps authorities verify eligibility at checkpoints quickly.
If you are a resident who needs to enter Makkah for work or official reasons, the safest approach is to ensure your permit is issued and active before you travel. Checkpoints typically rely on system verification, so having documents on your phone and matching database records is essential.
The rules also highlight a narrow set of exemptions. Holders of a Makkah-issued iqama, Hajj permit holders, and those with authorised holy-sites work permits can enter. Everyone else should assume they will be turned back, even if they have other types of visas.
For Pakistani travellers, this is especially important because many people plan Umrah close to Hajj season. The new restrictions mean timing and paperwork matter more than usual. Even a short stopover plan that includes travel to Makkah can fail if the required permits are not in place.
What travellers should do now to avoid problems
The simplest way to avoid disruption is to treat these rules as strict, not flexible. Saudi authorities have warned that action will be taken against violators to protect the safety and security of pilgrims.
If you are planning Hajj, confirm your official Hajj permit status and keep digital proof ready. If you are a resident or worker, ensure your Makkah-issued iqama or authorised work permit is valid and linked correctly in the system.
If you are an Umrah pilgrim currently inside Saudi Arabia, plan your return travel early. Ticket availability can tighten near deadlines, and last-day travel increases the risk of delays. Keep your passport, visa details, and travel booking accessible during internal travel and airport checks.
Finally, follow official updates. Hajj-season rules can be adjusted based on operational needs. If you rely on second-hand information, you may miss a deadline or misunderstanding about where restrictions apply. Use official channels and recognised airline or travel operator guidance before making commitments.
