Hajj 2025: Saudi Ministry Announces Safety Guidelines and Procedures

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has laid out specific procedures and guidelines in preparation for Hajj 2025, focusing on the safety and security of all pilgrims throughout the holy season.

A notification from the ministry issued on Sunday specified that the final entry date for Umrah pilgrims into the Kingdom is Sunday, April 13, 2025. The last permissible departure date is set for Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

The ministry has cautioned that failure to depart by the specified date will be considered a violation of established regulations.

Starting Wednesday, April 23, 2025, access to the holy city of Makkah will be tightly controlled. Individuals seeking entry must present a valid work permit, a residency ID issued from Makkah, or a valid Hajj permit.

Foreign residents living in other regions of the Kingdom will not be permitted to enter Makkah unless they possess the required permit. The ministry stated that violators attempting entry without the necessary permits would be returned via Al Shumaisi or other checkpoints.

The ministry also announced that the issuance of Umrah permits via the “Nusuk” platform will be suspended from April 29 to June 10, 2025.

Additionally, individuals holding visa types other than an official Hajj visa will be prohibited from entering or staying in Makkah, effective from April 29.

The guidelines indicate that foreign nationals needing access to Makkah or its surrounding holy sites for work-related purposes must apply for travel permits through the designated portals.