Saudi Arabia Implements Entry Restrictions to Mecca Starting 13 April

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Saudi Arabian government, through the Ministry of Interior, has established a policy restricting access to the holy city of Mecca for anyone without official permission, effective from today, Monday, 13 April 2026.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ichsan Marsha, stated that this policy is part of preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage in 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE.

“The Saudi Arabian government implements access controls to Mecca every year ahead of the Hajj peak season. This is essential to ensure that the pilgrimage is conducted safely, orderly, and in accordance with the designated capacity,” said Ichsan Marsha when contacted from Jakarta on Monday.

According to the regulations, only individuals meeting specific criteria are permitted to enter Mecca, namely holders of residence permits (iqamah) issued in Mecca, holders of official Hajj visas, and workers with work permits in the sacred sites.

Meanwhile, anyone not meeting the above requirements will be denied entry and asked to return to the checkpoints at the entrances to the city of Mecca.

“All holders of visas other than Hajj visas are not permitted to enter or stay in Mecca during that period,” said Ichsan.

This policy, he said, is an implementation of the “No Hajj Without Permission” principle consistently applied by the Saudi Arabian government to maintain order, security, and safety in the Hajj pilgrimage.

He also advised Indonesian citizens planning to perform Hajj not to attempt illegal Hajj routes.

“We remind those planning to perform Hajj to ensure the visa used is a Hajj visa. Not an Umrah visa, worker visa, tourist visa, pilgrimage visa, or any other visa besides a Hajj visa. Do not be persuaded to go on Hajj without a Hajj visa. That is illegal,” he said.