Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry Announces Procedures for Hajj 2025
Umrah Entry and Exit Dates: The last day for Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom is Sunday, April 13, 2025 (15 Shawwal 1446 AH), while the final date for their departure is Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (1 Dhul-Qi'dah 1446 AH).
Entry Permits for Makkah: Starting Wednesday, April 23, 2025 (25 Shawwal 1446 AH), residents wishing to enter Makkah must obtain entry permits from the relevant authorities.
Those without valid permits will be denied entry and sent back to their points of origin.
Eligibility for Makkah Entry: Permits will be granted to residents holding an official entry permit for work in the holy sites, residents with a Makkah-issued ID, or individuals with valid Hajj permits.
Entry permits for workers during the Hajj season will be processed electronically through the 'Absher Individuals' platform and the 'Muqeem Portal.'
Suspension of Umrah Permits: The issuance of Umrah permits will be suspended for Saudi citizens, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, residents, and holders of other visas from Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (1 Dhul-Qi'dah 1446 AH), until Monday, June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH).
Hajj Visa Requirement for Makkah Access: As of Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (1 Dhul-Qi'dah 1446 AH), only individuals holding a Hajj visa will be allowed to enter or stay in Makkah.
The Ministry has emphasized the importance of adhering to these regulations and collaborating with authorities to ensure the smooth and secure facilitation of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Violations of these guidelines will result in legal penalties.
Short link :
Post Views: 144
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia extends exit deadline for visit visa holders by 30 days
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Directorate of Passports announced the extension of the grace period for the final departure of visit visa holders across all categories and designations. The new 30-day window will begin on the 1st of Safar, 1447 AH, and is conditional on the payment of applicable fees and fines as stipulated by Saudi regulations. According to the statement, eligible individuals can benefit from this initiative by submitting a request through the 'Tawasul' service available on the Ministry of Interior's digital platform 'Absher.' The directorate urged all visitors to take advantage of the extended period within the specified timeframe to ensure legal departure from the Kingdom and avoid further penalties. The initiative aims to streamline exit procedures and support compliance with Saudi Arabia's residency and immigration laws.
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
25 hospitality facilities shut down in Makkah over licensing and safety violations
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — The Ministry of Tourism has closed 25 hospitality establishments in Makkah during July as part of intensified inspection campaigns to ensure regulatory compliance in the holy city, the ministry announced Thursday. The closures followed the discovery of several violations, including operating without a valid license, poor maintenance and cleanliness standards, and breaches related to guest safety. The inspections are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to verify that hospitality facilities meet all approved requirements and hold the necessary permits to operate. The initiative aligns with the ministry's broader objective to enhance service quality for visitors and pilgrims during the busy Umrah and Hajj seasons. The ministry emphasized the importance of all facilities adhering to Saudi Arabia's tourism regulations and executive bylaws. It warned that penalties for non-compliance could include fines of up to SR1 million, closure orders, or also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing these rules to improve service standards, safeguard guests, and uphold the reputation of Makkah as a premier religious tourism destination.
Saudi Gazette
21-07-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Railways transports 8 million passengers, 15 million tons of freight in H1 2025 performance
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced record operational results for the first half of 2025, transporting 7.93 million passengers across over 21,000 trips on its North, East, and Haramain High-Speed train networks — an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The strong performance was bolstered by exceptional service during the Hajj season, which saw 1.2 million pilgrims transported via the Haramain line and 1.8 million via the Mashair Metro, totaling over 2,100 Hajj-related train journeys. On the freight side, SAR moved 14.93 million tons of minerals and goods — up 13% year-on-year — helping remove over 700,000 truck trips from the Kingdom's roads. This shift resulted in fuel savings exceeding 72 million liters and a reduction of 190,000 tons in carbon emissions, supporting Saudi Arabia's environmental sustainability goals and logistics efficiency targets. SAR CEO Dr. Bashar Al-Malik said the figures reflect the company's commitment to providing sustainable, efficient transport solutions in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. Beyond operations, SAR continues to deliver long-term economic and environmental impact. Its local content initiative, part of the 'Asasat' program, is on track to surpass 60% by the end of the year, supporting national industries and creating quality job opportunities for Saudi talent. Al-Malik also emphasized SAR's vital role in advancing the Saudi Green Initiative by reducing emissions, lowering reliance on conventional trucking, and offering cleaner alternatives that enhance quality of life in cities across the Kingdom.
