Saudi Arabia has decided to prevent illegal pilgrimage by prohibiting entry to Mecca with any visa other than a Hajj visa starting from April 29th.

Saudi Arabia has made a new decision to prevent illegal pilgrimage. The decision was shared by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior. The statement used the words, “With the exception of Hajj visa holders, entry and exit to the city of Mecca will not be allowed for holders of any other type of visa starting from April 29, 2025.”

LAST DATE TODAY It was stated that the last date for those performing Umrah to enter Saudi Arabia is April 13th, and the last day for exit is April 29th. Additionally, it was mentioned in the statement that the issuance of Umrah visas will be suspended until June 10th. Information was shared that in order to enter Mecca, one must have a work permit, a residence permit issued by the city administration, or a valid Hajj visa.

Saudi Arabia had started taking precautions due to the large number of individuals secretly entering Mecca to perform their religious duties without permission during the 2024 Hajj season.