From 18 April, Indonesian Umrah Pilgrims Cannot Enter Mecca, Saudi Arabia

From 18 April, Indonesian Umrah pilgrims will be unable to enter Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will implement restrictions on Umrah worship access ahead of the 2026 Hajj season. During the period from 18 to 30 April 2026, only Saudi nationals will be able to perform Umrah. This means all international pilgrims, including those from Indonesia, will no longer be able to enter the city of Mecca during this restriction period. According to the Saudi government calendar, the last arrival date for international pilgrims in Saudi Arabia is Thursday, 2 April. All international pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia before Saturday, 18 April. This policy is part of intensive preparations ahead of the Hajj worship for 1447 Hijriah, which will begin shortly after that period. Quoting Gulf News, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also emphasised the importance of complying with Hajj regulations. They affirmed that Hajj worship can only be performed with a valid Hajj visa, and not with an Umrah visa. Meanwhile, the issuance of visas for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 H) will begin on 8 February. The Ministry stated that the first group of Hajj pilgrims is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia starting from 18 April 2026 (1 Dzul Qadah 1447 H). To date, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who have booked packages directly from their home countries. Around 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contract requirements.