Saudi Arabia has officially entered the preparatory phase of its 2026 Hajj season, with a series of new entry regulations for the holy city of Makkah taking full effect as of Saturday, April 18. The measures, announced by the Ministry of Interior, represent a systematic effort to manage the flow of millions of pilgrims expected to converge on the city in the weeks ahead.
Makkah Accessible Only to Hajj Visa Holders
Effective today, entry into or residence within Makkah is restricted exclusively to individuals holding a valid Hajj visa. The rule applies across all nationalities and categories of visitors, with no exceptions for general tourists or residents of other parts of the Kingdom. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that violating this regulation will result in legal penalties, underscoring the seriousness with which the authorities are approaching the management of the holy city during this critical period.
The only individuals permitted access under the new restrictions are those holding a residency permit issued in Makkah itself, or those with a Hajj permit or a work permit specifically issued for the Holy Sites. For resident workers seeking access during the season, the General Directorate of Passports has opened a dedicated application process through two official platforms: Saudi citizens and certain residents may apply through the Absher Individuals portal, while employees of Makkah-based establishments are directed to use the Muqeem portal.
Umrah Permits Suspended Until End of May
Alongside the entry restrictions, the issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform has been suspended for the period running from April 18 through May 31, 2026. The pause affects Saudi citizens, Gulf Cooperation Council nationals, residents, and all other visa holders who would ordinarily be eligible to perform Umrah. Services are expected to resume gradually once the Hajj pilgrimage concludes.
Pilgrims who had entered the Kingdom on Umrah visas prior to the suspension were given until April 18 as a final deadline to depart through international ports, without incurring penalties for expired visas. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had extended this grace period in recognition of the particular circumstances affecting international travel in recent months.
Hajj 2026 Season Expected in Late May
The 2026 Hajj season is expected to take place between approximately May 25 and May 30, coinciding with the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Saudi Arabia hosts millions of pilgrims from across the world each year, and the logistical preparations for the pilgrimage begin several weeks in advance. The early closure of Makkah to non-Hajj visitors reflects the scale of the undertaking and the Kingdom’s firm commitment to ensuring a safe, orderly, and spiritually meaningful experience for every pilgrim who makes the journey.
Pilgrims planning to attend Hajj this year are advised to ensure that all documentation is in order well ahead of the arrival window, and to complete required registrations exclusively through official authorised channels.
