Saudi Arabia Expands Makkah Route Services to 10 Countries

The Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia continues to implement the Makkah Route Initiative for the eighth consecutive year. The Makkah Route is now expanding its services to 17 departure points in 10 countries.

This flagship programme within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is including Senegal and Brunei Darussalam for the first time, joining other countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Maldives.

The initiative aims to provide a smoother and more efficient Hajj experience by completing all entry procedures to Saudi Arabia from the pilgrims’ home countries. The process includes issuing electronic Hajj visas, passport checks, and verification of health requirements at the departure airport.

In addition, pilgrims’ baggage is coded and arranged according to their accommodation locations in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival in Mecca or Medina, pilgrims can proceed directly to buses without waiting to collect their baggage.

Since its launch in 2017, the Makkah Route programme has served more than 1.25 million Hajj pilgrims. The implementation of this programme involves several ministries and institutions in Saudi Arabia, including the ministries of foreign affairs, health, Hajj and Umrah, and media, along with the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, and the General Directorate of Passports.

The programme is also supported by the telecommunications company stc group as the main provider of digital services.