Saudi Arabia Suspends Umrah Visas And Restricts Makkah Entry Ahead Of Hajj 2026
Key Takeaways
- Makkah entry restricted for expatriates without permits ahead of Hajj 2026.
- Umrah visas suspended; Nusuk permits halted for Apr–May 2026 window.
- Crowd-control and safety measures implemented ahead of Hajj 2026.
Saudi Arabia Halts Makkah Entry
Saudi Arabia has imposed sweeping new restrictions ahead of Hajj 2026, halting entry into Makkah without official permits.
“Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended issuing visas for Umrah and family visits to Iranian citizens, citing the need to manage crowds and ensure the safety of pilgrims ahead of the 2025 Hajj season”
From April 13, entry into Makkah is restricted to those holding valid Hajj permits or officially approved work and residency documents.
All other visa holders, including tourists and Umrah pilgrims, will be denied access during this period.
The Kingdom has increasingly relied on digital permit systems such as the Nusuk app to verify pilgrim status.
Violators could face penalties including fines, deportation, and bans from future entry.
The issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusuk platform will be suspended from April 18 to May 31.
Permit Systems and Enforcement
The General Directorate of Passports has launched applications for Makkah entry permits for resident workers.
Applications can be submitted via the Absher and Muqeem portals.
Authorities urged full compliance with the regulations.
The Ministry of Interior has said that violating these regulations can lead to legal penalties.
Regional and Religious Tensions
Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended issuing visas for Umrah and family visits to Iranian citizens.
“From April 18, 2026 to May 31, 2026, Saudi Arabia will stop issuing Umrah permits via the Nusuk platform”
The suspension applies to applicants who do not hold an official Hajj permit.
The countries affected include Iran, Nigeria, Yemen, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Chad, Niger, Mali, DRC, CAR, Libya, Sudan and Pakistan.
These measures come amid growing tensions between Riyadh and Tehran.
Saudi concerns are fueled by long-standing worries about the politicization of the Hajj pilgrimage by the Iranian regime.
Egyptian Market and Oversight
Saudi Arabia will suspend issuing Umrah visas 15 days after the end of Ramadan.
This decision applies to all countries worldwide without exception.
The aim is to prevent any overlap between the Umrah and Hajj seasons.
The Umrah market in Egypt and the Kingdom is witnessing early and unprecedented activity.
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