Going for Hajj? Visit visa holders barred in Saudi Arabia — what pilgrims need to know

Saudi Arabia has said that holders of visit visas will not be allowed to perform Hajj this year. Entry to Mecca and other holy sites will be restricted to individuals holding official pilgrimage permits, according to a report by Gulf News.

The decision has been taken as authorities tighten regulations ahead of the pilgrimage season and step up enforcement against violations. According to the Ministry of Interior, the restriction will remain in effect throughout the Hajj period, from the beginning of Dhu Al Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah.

During this time, only authorised pilgrims will be permitted to enter Mecca and nearby sacred locations, and anyone found entering or staying without a valid permit will be considered in violation of the law, the report stated.

The Ministry of Interior stated that these measures are part of an operational plan designed to ensure the safety, security, and smooth movement of pilgrims during one of the world’s largest annual gatherings, the Hajj. The campaign is being promoted under the slogan: “No Hajj without a permit.”

Authorities have also urged the public to follow the rules and report any violations strictly. Complaints can be made through emergency numbers 911 in Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other regions of the country.

The enforcement measures also extend to Umrah pilgrims. April 18, 2026, marked the deadline for Umrah visitors to leave the country, and staying beyond this date is treated as a violation. Companies and service providers that fail to report overstayers may be fined up to 100,000 riyals and could face additional legal action.

The pilgrims flew out from Indira Gandhi International Airport in the presence of Delhi Hajj Committee Chairperson Kausar Jahan, before heading to Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, meaning it is a fundamental religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.

Hajj takes place every year during a specific period in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. During the pilgrimage, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca to perform a series of religious rituals that include walking around the Kaaba, standing at Mount Arafat, and other acts of worship that symbolise unity, humility, and devotion to God.

The pilgrimage is considered a deeply spiritual experience, emphasising equality, as all pilgrims wear simple white clothing to remove distinctions of wealth, status, or nationality.

Hajj takes place every year during a specific period in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. During the pilgrimage, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca to perform a series of religious rituals that include walking around the Kaaba, standing at Mount Arafat, and other acts of worship that symbolise unity, humility, and devotion to God.

The pilgrimage is considered a deeply spiritual experience, emphasising equality, as all pilgrims wear simple white clothing to remove distinctions of wealth, status, or nationality.