Hajj 2025: Key Rules, Permit Changes & Visa Bans
Saudi Arabia updates Hajj regulations for 2025 — here’s what residents, Umrah pilgrims, and international visitors should keep in mind.
Planning to perform Hajj in 2025? Take note — Saudi Arabia has rolled out a fresh set of rules to manage crowds and ensure safety for the annual pilgrimage to Makkah.
According to the Ministry of Interior, and as reported by the Saudi Press Agency, these updates are all about streamlining travel and keeping things smooth for millions of pilgrims expected this year. The pilgrimage will take place from Wednesday, June 4 to Monday, June 9, 2025 — corresponding to 8 to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking your journey:
Umrah visa cut-off dates are earlier this year
If you're visiting Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa, you’ll need to plan ahead:
- Last date to enter the Kingdom: Sunday, April 13
- Last date to leave the Kingdom: Tuesday, April 29
Makkah entry permits are mandatory starting April 23
From Wednesday, April 23, residents inside the Kingdom must have entry permits to access Makkah. No permit? No entry.
Exceptions include:
- Residents with work permits in the Holy Sites
- Those holding a Makkah-issued resident ID
- Valid Hajj permit holders
Permits can be obtained via the Absher Individuals and Muqeem Portal platforms.
No Umrah permits during Hajj season
The popular “Nusuk” platform will pause Umrah permits from:
Tuesday, April 29 to Monday, June 10 This applies to citizens of Saudi Arabia, GCC nationals, residents within the Kingdom, and holders of other Saudi visas.
Makkah is off-limits without a Hajj visa starting April 29
From Tuesday, April 29, entry into Makkah is restricted. Only pilgrims with valid Hajj visas are allowed to remain or enter. All other types of visas — including tourist and business — won’t cut it.
14 countries face a temporary visa suspension
In an effort to regulate travel flow, Saudi Arabia has temporarily paused issuing short-term visas (including tourist, business, and family visit visas) for citizens of the following countries:
India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.
Why it matters
“These measures are in place to preserve the safety of pilgrims and ensure smooth crowd management during Hajj,” said authorities.
For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime journey — and the Saudi government is going all in on making sure it’s secure, seamless, and safe.
---
TL;DR?
If you’re planning to head to Makkah this Hajj season, check your permit, visa type,
and travel dates — twice. No one likes last-minute surprises at immigration.