Minister Warns Against Indonesians Performing Hajj Without Official Visas

Minister of Hajj and Umrah (Menhaj) Irfan Yusuf has reminded Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to ensure they have official Hajj visas when departing for the pilgrimage. Irfan hopes there will be no more Indonesian citizens undertaking Hajj without an official Hajj visa.

“We hope there will be no more Indonesian citizens undertaking Hajj without an official Hajj visa,” said Irfan during a press conference with the Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) M Qodari at the KSP Office, Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

Irfan recalled that around 1,000 Indonesian citizens were prevented from entering the Mecca area last year. Violators typically used pilgrimage visas or work visas.

“Last year, the Ministry of Immigration informed us that around 1,000 people were detained and prevented from proceeding because they did not use Hajj visas. In Saudi Arabia, there were even more who had already entered the country but could not enter Mecca because they did not have Hajj visas; they only had pilgrimage visas or work visas,” he said.

Irfan also warned that Saudi authorities will be stricter during this year’s event. Checks on prospective Hajj pilgrims, he said, will be more rigorous.

“And this year, the Saudi government will be stricter. There will be checks at several points,” said Irfan.