Indonesian Pilgrims Unable to Enter Mecca Starting 18 April

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesian pilgrims will no longer be able to enter the city of Mecca starting 18 April 2026. This is due to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah implementing access restrictions 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 that all international pilgrims, including those from Indonesia, will not 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 the intensive preparations ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage in 1447 Hijriah, which will commence shortly after that period.

Quoting Gulf News, expatriates and residents without official permits are also prohibited from entering Mecca starting Monday, 13 April.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also emphasised the importance of complying with Hajj regulations. They affirmed that the Hajj pilgrimage 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 groups of Hajj pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia starting 18 April 2026 (1 Dhu al-Qadah 1447 H).

To date, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who have booked packages directly from their home countries. Approximately 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contract requirements.