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Makkah's Mataf Empty as Entry Limited to Hajj Visa Holders

The Grand Mosque's mataf is nearly vacant on the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage season, as Saudi authorities enforce a ban on non-Hajj visa holders.

  • Publish date: Thursday، 01 May 2025 Reading time: two min read
Makkah's Mataf Empty as Entry Limited to Hajj Visa Holders
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On April 29, the mataf, the white marble area surrounding the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, was unusually quiet. This rare sight came as non-Hajj pilgrims were restricted from staying in the city, marking the official start of the Hajj pilgrimage season.

Video footage of the day showed the typically crowded area almost completely empty. Only a small group of foreign Hajj pilgrims, who arrived on the first day of the pilgrimage, were performing the ritual of tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba.

Saudi Authorities Enforce Strict Rules

As part of preparations for Hajj 2025, Saudi authorities introduced strict measures to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. From April 29 until the end of Hajj, the government imposed a ban on non-Hajj visa holders staying in Makkah. The Ministry of Tourism has ordered that tourist agencies and accommodation providers in the city must not accept bookings from anyone who does not have a valid Hajj visa or official residency permit.

Additionally, the Directorate of Public Security banned all expatriates without permits from entering Makkah, effective April 23.

Impact on Umrah Pilgrims

The measures also signaled the end of the Umrah season, with the Ministry of Interior confirming that April 29 was the final day for Umrah pilgrims to leave Saudi Arabia. The ministry also suspended the issuance of Umrah permits for all visa holders, except those with Hajj visas, until Dhul Hijjah 14.

Gradual Increase in Pilgrims

The nearly empty mataf is expected to fill up gradually over the coming days as Hajj pilgrims begin arriving in Makkah. People from various countries are set to undertake their lifetime spiritual journey to perform the sacred rituals of Hajj. This transition from Umrah to Hajj is a highly anticipated moment for both local and international visitors to Makkah.

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