New Entry Rules for Makkah Announced for Hajj 2025

Final Dates for Umrah Pilgrims to Enter and Exit Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia has shared new rules for pilgrims visiting Makkah for Hajj 2025. These steps are being taken to manage crowds, maintain safety, and ensure everything runs smoothly during this important time.

Let’s look at the details in simple words.

Last Dates for Umrah Pilgrims

The Saudi government has announced the final dates for Umrah pilgrims to enter and leave the country:

✅ Last date to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah: Sunday, April 13, 2025
✅ Last date to leave Saudi Arabia after Umrah: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

If any Umrah pilgrim stays in Saudi Arabia after April 29, it will be counted as a violation of rules. They might face penalties, fines, or a ban in the future.

Makkah Entry Restricted from April 23, 2025

Starting from Wednesday, April 23, 2025, entering Makkah will not be allowed without proper documents.

To enter Makkah after this date, you must have one of the following:

A valid work permit (if you work in Makkah)
A residency ID (Iqama) showing you live in Makkah
A valid permit

People who don’t have these documents will be stopped at checkpoints, such as Al Shumaisi, and sent back.

Foreign Residents Need Special Permits

If you are a foreign worker or resident living in other cities of Saudi Arabia, you cannot enter Makkah unless you have:

A Hajj permit, or
A work/residency permit from Makkah

If anyone tries to enter without permission, they will be sent back or fined. The government is doing this to make sure only those who are supposed to be in Makkah are allowed in.

Umrah Permits on Nusuk App Will Stop

Saudi Arabia will also stop issuing Umrah permits through the Nusuk app during a specific time:

❌ From April 29 to June 10, 2025, no Umrah permits will be given.

This means:

You can’t apply for Umrah during this time
Those already in Saudi Arabia for Umrah must leave by April 29

The purpose is to clear the way for Hajj pilgrims and reduce crowding.

No Entry to Makkah Without Hajj Visa After April 29

From April 29, 2025, only people with Hajj visas will be allowed into Makkah. If you hold any of the following visas, you cannot enter Makkah after this date:

Tourist visa
Visit visa
Business visa
Umrah visa

If you are caught staying in Makkah without a valid Hajj visa, you may be fined, deported, or banned from visiting again.

Workers Must Get Travel Permits

People who work in Makkah or the holy sites like Mina, Arafat, or Muzdalifah during Hajj need to get travel permits from official platforms.

This applies to:

Hotel workers
Transport drivers
Medical staff
Security and cleaning teams
Other support staff

All workers must get the right documents to be in Makkah during the Hajj season.

Why These Rules Are Important

Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform Hajj. These rules are made to:

✅ Manage the large number of people
✅ Keep everyone safe
✅ Avoid crowding in holy places
✅ Make the Hajj experience smooth and peaceful

Saudi Arabia takes great care to organize Hajj in the best way possible. These new rules will help them do that better.

What Should Pilgrims and Visitors Do?

If you are planning to perform Umrah or Hajj, here are some easy steps to follow:

📆 Plan your visit early – Make sure your travel dates match the allowed time.
📝 Apply for the correct visa – Get a valid Hajj or work permit if needed.
🚫 Leave on time – Umrah pilgrims must leave by April 29, 2025.
📱 Stay informed – Follow updates on the Nusuk app and official government websites.
🧳 Use licensed travel agents – Always book your Hajj or Umrah with authorized companies like Sony Manpower Consultant.

Final Words

The new entry rules for Hajj 2025 are part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to keep the pilgrimage safe, well-organized, and smooth for everyone.

If you’re planning to go for Umrah or Hajj in 2025, follow the guidelines, get the proper documents, and respect the dates. With the right planning, your spiritual journey can be peaceful and problem-free.

If you need help with booking, applying for a visa, or understanding the rules, reach out to licensed Hajj and Umrah agents in Pakistan who are approved by Saudi Arabia.