If you’re an expat living in Saudi Arabia, this is one announcement you really cannot afford to ignore right now. Saudi Arabia has officially activated its Makkah entry restriction system ahead of Hajj 2026 — and the rules are stricter, the fines are higher, and the whole process is now fully digital.
Whether you need to enter Makkah for work, or you’re a GCC national, a domestic worker, or a family member of a Saudi citizen, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to know, who needs a permit, how to apply, and what happens if you don’t.
Why Makkah Entry Is Restricted During Hajj Season
Every year, as Hajj approaches, Saudi Arabia puts in place controlled access to Makkah. The reason is straightforward: millions of pilgrims converge on the Holy City within a matter of weeks. Temperatures during Hajj season regularly exceed 45°C, and the entry permit system helps authorities prevent overcrowding, manage emergency services, and keep unauthorised visitors out of the holy sites during the busiest period of the year.
The restrictions are enforced at security checkpoints on all roads into Makkah. If you don’t have the right documentation, you’ll be turned back — there is no negotiating at the checkpoints.
When Did the Restrictions Come Into Effect?
Starting from Monday, April 13, 2026, Saudi Arabia put in place strict entry regulations for the holy city of Makkah ahead of the Hajj season. The Public Security Directorate confirmed the restrictions are now fully active.
There’s also a second, tighter deadline to keep in mind. From April 18, 2026, entry to or stay in Makkah is restricted to individuals holding valid Hajj visas only.
For those currently in the Kingdom on Umrah visas — your window is closing fast. The last date for Umrah visa holders to leave the Kingdom is Saturday, April 18, 2026. The issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusuk platform will also be suspended from April 18 until May 31, 2026 for all categories — Saudi citizens, GCC nationals, residents, and other visa holders.
Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) is expected to fall approximately around May 25–29, 2026.
Who Is Exempt — and Who Needs a Permit?
Not everyone needs to apply. Some categories can enter Makkah freely during this period, but they must still carry their relevant documentation at checkpoints.
You Are Exempt If You Hold:
- A Makkah-issued Iqama (residency permit)
- A Saudi national ID issued in Makkah
- A valid Hajj visa (for international pilgrims)
- An officially issued Hajj permit through the Nusuk platform (for domestic pilgrims)
You Need a Permit If You Are:
- An expatriate residing in Saudi Arabia with an Iqama issued outside Makkah
- A GCC national wishing to visit Makkah during Hajj season
- A Premium Residency holder
- A registered investor in the Kingdom
- A non-Saudi mother of a Saudi citizen
- A non-Saudi family member of a Saudi national
- A domestic worker (applying through their sponsor)
- An employee of a Makkah-based establishment or seasonal Hajj worker
Important: Tourist and visit visas do not qualify for Makkah entry during Hajj season. If you’re in Saudi Arabia on a tourism, family visit, or business visa, you cannot enter Makkah from April 13 onwards. There is no permit category available for these visa types during the restriction period.
The Two Official Platforms: Absher vs. Muqeem
Saudi Arabia has fully digitised the Makkah entry permit process for 2026 through two official government platforms — Absher and Muqeem — both integrated with the Tasreeh unified Hajj permit system. There is no need to visit a passport office in person.
1. Absher Individuals Platform — www.absher.sa
The Absher Individuals platform handles permits for: GCC citizens, Premium Residency holders, investors, mothers of Saudi citizens, domestic workers, and non-Saudi family members.
For Domestic Workers:
Log in to Absher → E-Services → Workers → Makkah Entry Permit → Create Permit Request
For Non-Saudi Family Members:
Log in to Absher → E-Services → Family Members Services → Makkah Entry Permit → Create Permit Request
For GCC Citizens, Premium Residency Holders, Investors, and Mothers of Saudi Citizens:
Log in to Absher → My Services → Makkah Entry Permit → Create Permit Request
After submitting, all permit requests are processed through technical integration with Tasreeh. You will be notified of the outcome through your Absher account.
2. Muqeem Portal — makkahpermit.muqeem.sa
The Muqeem portal is designated for employees of Makkah-based establishments and those with employment contracts tied to Hajj season operations. If you are an employee who needs to enter Makkah for work, your employer must initiate the process — you cannot apply on your own through this portal.
Application Steps via Muqeem:
Permit Requests → Add Permits → Enter Data → Select the Applicant → Upload Required Attachments → Submit Request
After submission, the establishment will be notified via its portal account and email.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| April 13, 2026 | Makkah entry restrictions come into force for all residents without permits |
| April 18, 2026 | All Umrah visa holders must exit Saudi Arabia by this date |
| April 18, 2026 | Only Hajj visa holders can enter or remain in Makkah |
| April 18 – May 31, 2026 | Umrah permit issuance via Nusuk is fully suspended |
| May 25–29, 2026 (approx.) | Hajj 2026 / 1447 AH |
| From ~June 10–11, 2026 | Umrah permits expected to resume after Hajj concludes |
The Penalties Are Serious — Don’t Take the Risk
Saudi authorities have made the consequences of non-compliance very clear this year. The Ministry of Interior announced the following penalties:
Fine of Up to SAR 20,000:
- Anyone performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit
- Holders of any type of visit visa who enter, attempt to enter, or remain in Makkah and the Holy Sites during the restricted period
Fine of Up to SAR 100,000:
- Anyone who applies for a visit visa for a person attempting to perform Hajj illegally (fine multiplies per person involved)
- Anyone who transports or attempts to transport visit visa holders to Makkah or the Holy Sites
- Anyone who provides accommodation, concealment, or assistance that keeps unauthorised individuals in Makkah
Deportation and 10-Year Entry Ban:
- Residents and visa overstayers who enter Makkah illegally to perform Hajj will be deported and barred from re-entering Saudi Arabia for up to 10 years
Vehicle Confiscation:
- Courts may order confiscation of vehicles used to transport illegal pilgrims if owned by the transporter or accomplices
If you believe you’ve been wrongly penalised, you can appeal within 30 days of notification before the relevant committee, and further challenge the decision before the Administrative Court within 60 days.
To report violations, call 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Quick Tips Before You Apply
Check your Iqama validity first. Your residency permit must be valid at the time of application. Expired or under-renewal iqamas will not be accepted.
You must be inside Saudi Arabia. Applications submitted from outside the Kingdom will not be processed.
Keep your Absher account updated. Approvals and notifications are sent through your Absher account, so make sure your registered mobile number and personal details are current.
Employers must act promptly on Muqeem. If you’re a seasonal worker or an employee of a Makkah-based establishment, follow up with your HR or admin team immediately to ensure your permit is submitted in time.
Verify fees directly on the platform. As of publication, no official application fee has been publicly announced for 2026. Check Absher or Muqeem directly when applying for the most current information.
Official Links and Contact
- Absher Individuals: www.absher.sa
- Muqeem (Establishments): makkahpermit.muqeem.sa
- General Directorate of Passports: www.gdp.gov.sa
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: @AljawazatKSA
Final Word
If you’re an expat in Saudi Arabia and you have any reason to be in Makkah between now and late May, don’t wait. The system is fully online, the checkpoints are active, and the penalties for non-compliance are not worth risking. Apply early, keep your documents ready, and make sure your Iqama is valid before you submit your request.
The Saudi government has made the process as straightforward as it’s ever been — two portals, no office visits, and instant notifications. There’s really no excuse for being caught without the right documentation.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and if you’re heading to Makkah this season — may your journey be blessed.