SRINAGAR: Saudi authorities have prohibited expatriates and residents without official permits from entering Mecca from April 13, as part of new regulations for the Hajj season.
#الأمن_العام:
اعتبارًا من اليوم الإثنين (25) شوال 1447هـ الموافق (13 أبريل 2026م) ..
يُمنع دخول المقيمين إلى العاصمة المقدسة دون تصريح#لا_حج_بلا_تصريح pic.twitter.com/HqL5u8gY2X— إمارة منطقة مكة المكرمة (@makkahregion) April 12, 2026
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Public Security said the Hajj-related procedures requiring entry permits for residents came into force on April 13, and those without valid authorisation will be denied access to the city.
The restrictions apply to individuals who do not hold a work permit for the Holy Sites, a Mecca-issued residency ID, or a valid Hajj permit. Under the new rules, only properly documented individuals will be allowed entry, with checkpoints instructed to turn back violators.
Authorities have also fixed April 18 (Dhul Qada 1) as the deadline for foreign pilgrims on Umrah visas to exit the Kingdom. As reported by Saudi Gazette, issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform will remain suspended for all categories, including citizens, expatriates and GCC nationals, from April 18 to May 31.
From April 18 onward, entry into Mecca will be restricted to holders of valid Hajj visas only.
Public Security said permits for workers during the Hajj season will be issued electronically via the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem Portal, integrated with the unified Tasreeh system for Hajj permits.
Authorities urged strict compliance, warning that violations will invite punitive action, and said the measures are aimed at ensuring safety and the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
