Saudi Arabia restricts Makkah entry for nomads and tourists through May 31

Saudi Arabia locks Makkah entry through May 31

What the Makkah restrictions cover

Saudi Arabia is keeping Makkah entry controls in place through May 31 for the 2026 Hajj season. Most expatriates, visitors and visa holders can’t enter the city unless they hold a Makkah-issued Iqama, a valid Hajj permit or an official work permit tied to Makkah or the Holy Sites.

The rules started in mid-April and shut down new Umrah permit slots on April 18. Authorities said the measures are part of annual crowd management and safety steps, not a security response, per regional coverage of official notices.

Who gets stopped at the checkpoints

The limits hit expats living outside Makkah, Saudi citizens who don’t live there, tourists and digital nomads on visit, business or family visas. Travelers passing through Jeddah or Taif for a quick stop in Makkah also need the right permit or residency status.

Umrah pilgrims are affected too. Foreign Umrah visa holders had to leave the Kingdom by April 18 and new Umrah permits via Nusuk stay suspended until May 31. Non-Muslims remain barred from Makkah under long-standing Saudi law.

What travelers need to carry

Checkpoints around Makkah are asking for proof, so residents and workers should keep their documents ready before heading in. For workers, entry permits are handled through Absher Individuals and the Muqeem Portal.

• Makkah-issued Iqama for residents
• Hajj permit or Hajj visa for pilgrims
• Work permit for Makkah or the Holy Sites

Anyone without one of those approvals is being turned back. That makes this a hard stop for short visits, site transfers and last-minute plans during Hajj season.

Read our full Saudi Arabia guide for the complete picture and check visa updates for more policy changes.