MAKKAH PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Saudi Arabia restricts Makkah entry from April 13; permit mandatory for residents and foreign nationals
Saudi Arabia has implemented new Hajj season regulations. Foreign nationals and residents without official permits are barred from entering Makkah from April 13. This measure aims to manage pilgrim flow and ensure safety. Umrah visa holders must depart by April 18. Makkah entry will be restricted to Hajj visa holders from April 18. Strict adherence to rules is urged.
Saudi Arabia issues Umrah guide in 16 languages for overseas pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has launched a new digital guide for international pilgrims performing Umrah. This guide is available in 16 languages, making it accessible to a wider audience. It offers step-by-step instructions for rituals and practical information. The initiative aims to simplify the pilgrimage experience for millions of Muslims. The guide also includes details on crowd management and travel support.
How travellers can perform Umrah using Saudi Arabia’s free stopover transit visa
Saudi Arabia has launched a free stopover visa for international travelers flying with Saudia Airlines and Flynas, allowing up to 96 hours to perform Umrah or visit Makkah and Madinah during flight layovers. This initiative, automatically processed during booking, aims to boost travel and pilgrimage accessibility as part of Vision 2030.
Haj 2024: Saudi Arabia bans visit visa holders from entering Makkah with immediate effect
Saudi Arabia has announced a restriction barring individuals with any type of visit visa from entering or remaining in Makkah starting from Thursday. The advisory, released by the Saudi Ministry, is effective from May 23 to June 21, corresponding to specific dates in the Hijri calendar. Only holders of a Haj permit are permitted to enter Makkah during this period, with all other forms of visit visas deemed inadequate. This measure aims to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, and violators will face fines of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.
