Thinking about heading to Mecca during Hajj season? Then you need to double-check your paperwork first. Saudi Arabia has rolled out stricter entry rules, and that means showing up without the right permit is no longer an option. With everything going digital, access to the holy city is now more tightly controlled than ever. Keep reading to find out more about the new entry requirements!
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Saudi Arabia Introduces E-Permits To Enter Mecca
Saudi Arabia has officially launched electronic permits for entry into Mecca ahead of the 2026 Hajj season. The move is part of tighter regulations aimed at managing the massive influx of pilgrims and ensuring smoother operations across the holy city. Residents and workers can now apply for entry permits entirely online, making the process faster and more streamlined.
Applications Are Now Online
The General Directorate of Passports has confirmed that applications can be submitted through the Absher and Muqeem portals. This means no more in-person visits to passport offices, as the entire process has shifted online. The system is also connected to the Mecca Entry Permit service, which helps speed up approvals and reduce delays during peak travel periods.
Who Can Apply Through Each Platform
Different groups will need to apply through specific portals:
- The Absher Individuals platform will handle applications for GCC citizens, premium residency holders, investors, mothers of Saudi citizens, domestic workers, and non-Saudi family members.
- The Muqeem portal is designated for employees working in Mecca-based companies or those temporarily contracted for Hajj-related work.
Entry Restrictions Now In Effect
Authorities have confirmed that entry restrictions into Mecca without a valid permit officially came into force on Monday, 13 April. These rules apply to expatriates who do not hold:
- A valid work permit for the holy sites
- A Mecca-issued residency permit (iqama)
- An official Hajj permit
Without one of these, worshippers cannot enter the city.
Going Digital To Manage Crowds
Worshippers can also issue seasonal worker permits electronically through Absher and Muqeem, with integration into the Tasreeh system, the unified digital platform for Hajj permits. Senior officials say that this digital approach will help regulate access, reduce overcrowding, and ensure a safer, more organised pilgrimage experience for everyone involved.
As Hajj continues to draw millions each year, these new rules are all about keeping things efficient, safe, and under control. So if you’re planning to travel to Mecca during the season, make sure you sort your permits well in advance. And for all the latest updates, rule changes, and more, keep following our official Gulf Buzz website.
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