Mecca entry restrictions have taken effect, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Security Directorate confirming that as of Monday, April 13, no one may enter the holy city without an official permit — a move that sets the stage for a tightly managed 2026 pilgrimage season.
Expatriates without a valid Mecca-issued residency permit (iqama), an authorized work permit for the holy sites, or a Hajj permit are barred from entering under the new rules.
To support the permit process, the General Directorate of Passports has moved applications entirely online, removing the need for in-person visits to passport offices. Approvals are now handled through two government platforms — Absher and Muqeem — both integrated with the Mecca Entry Permit service.
The Absher Individuals platform covers GCC citizens, premium residency holders, investors, mothers of Saudi citizens, domestic workers, and non-Saudi family members. The Muqeem portal, meanwhile, handles applications for employees working in Mecca-based establishments or those brought in under contract specifically for the Hajj season.
Seasonal workers’ permits will be issued electronically through both platforms in coordination with Tasreeh, the unified digital system for Hajj permitting, as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to regulate access and manage the flow of pilgrims during one of the world’s largest annual gatherings.
