Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry for the Interior has announced that all visitors who arrived in the country with an Umrah visa must leave the country before Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The directive was part of arrangements and measures to maintain the safety and security of pilgrims.

As part of preparation for the 1447 AH Hajj season, the ministry also announced that starting Monday, April 13, 2026 (Shawwal 25, 1447 AH), residents wishing to enter Makkah must obtain official permits from competent authorities, as those without such permits will be denied entry.

“Those who have a residency permit for Makkah, a Hajj permit, or a work permit for the holy sites obtained through the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal, which are connected to the Tasreeh platform, are exempt from this requirement,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The report says that starting Saturday, April 18, 2026, Saudi citizens, GCC nationals, residents of the Kingdom, and holders of other visas will not be able to get Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform until Sunday, May 31, 2026.

“Holders of all visa types will not be allowed to enter or remain in the city of Makkah, except those holding a Hajj visa, starting Saturday, April 18, 2026 (Dhu Al-Qi’dah 1, 1447 AH),” the report highlighted.

The ministry has stressed that violations of these instructions will subject offenders to the penalties prescribed by law.