Entry Rules to Mecca Tightened, Hajj Pilgrims Urged to Implement "Buddy System"

Saudi Arabian Hajj Service Officials (PPIH) have urged pilgrims to implement a buddy system to avoid travelling alone in the Holy Land. This measure comes as the Saudi government tightens rules for visitors entering the holy city of Mecca, including Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. “For both officials and pilgrims, every movement must be ensured through the ‘buddy system’. Here, the buddy system does not mean just two people; we advise at least three,” said Tulus Widodo, Head of the Pilgrim Protection Section (Linjam) of PPIH Saudi Arabia for the Mecca Working Area, in his statement on Wednesday (29/4/2026). “Therefore, we specifically urge officials that when travelling, ensure the buddy system involves not two but three people,” he added. Additionally, Tulus reminded Indonesian Hajj pilgrims still in Madinah to always carry their Nusuk Card upon arriving in Mecca and when engaging in activities outside the hotel. “It is mandatory to carry the Nusuk Card,” he stressed. Equally important, Tulus asked pilgrims not to use taxis arbitrarily to reach Masjidil Haram. This is because only official vehicles, namely white and green taxis, are permitted to enter certain areas around the mosque. As the Hajj operations entered their ninth day on Wednesday (29/4/2026), 122 flight groups (kloter) have already been dispatched to the Holy Land. “Cumulatively, the number of pilgrims who have departed to the holy land is 122 kloter with 47,834 pilgrims,” said Moh. Hasan Afandi, Head of Public Relations for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj), during a press conference on Wednesday. Meanwhile, for arrivals in Madinah, Hasan said there have been 113 kloter with 44,315 pilgrims. “All arrival processes have proceeded orderly with Hajj officials on standby to provide services from the airport to the hotel,” he stated.