Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior has issued a series of stringent measures regulating access to Mecca ahead of the 2025 Haj season, aimed at ensuring the safety and smooth management of the annual pilgrimage.

According to the Ministry, effective April 29, 2025, entry into Mecca will be strictly limited to individuals holding a valid Haj visa. Residents already within the city will be required to obtain special permission from the authorities to remain. Those without the necessary permits must leave Mecca before the April 29 deadline.

Also, expatriates without valid Haj permits will be banned from entering Mecca starting April 23.

Entry will only be permitted for:

* Individuals holding a valid Haj visa,

* Residents of Mecca with official residence documentation, and

* Employees authorized to work at the holy sites.

Permit applications can be submitted online via the Absher Individual platform and the Muqeem portal.

The ministry emphasized that these steps are part of a broader effort to manage the flow of pilgrims and ensure public safety during one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

Meanwhile, authorities have announced that Sunday, April 13, 2025, marks the final day for Umrah pilgrims to enter the country. For foreign pilgrims who have already arrived for Umrah or visits, the last date to remain in the Kingdom is April 29.

Additionally, from April 29 to June 10, 2025, the Nusuk platform will suspend the issuance of Umrah permits for Saudi citizens, residents, GCC nationals, and other visa holders.

The Ministry has called on all individuals, companies, and Hajj service providers to strictly adhere to the new regulations. Violators, it warned, will face legal consequences.

The measures come as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to streamline pilgrimage operations and safeguard the well-being of the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims expected from around the globe.