Saudi Arabia: Non-Hajj Visitors Banned From Hotels In Makkah; Details Inside

With the season of Hajj nearly here, there are many people who are making plans to travel to Mecca to undertake this mandatory religious duty. However, ensuring Hajjis have a pleasant experience, the authorities are doing everything in their power to make the experience smooth for them. As a result, Makkah has prohibited hotels from allowing people without a valid a hajj permit. Here’s more about this development from Saudi Arabia.

Makkah Hotels To Not Allow Non-Hajjis

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have dictated that hotels are not allowed to take in visitors who are visiting Mecca on an invalid Hajj permit. This also includes those who only have an entry permit for work or residents in the city. However, the notification is only for during the annual pilgrimage season. As there are thousands of people who will be thrown into the city to perform the mandatory religious duty. As mentioned in the directive, which was issued by the Ministry of Tourism, this will be coming into effect from April 29 until the Hajj season concludes.

Finally, special arrangements and procedures have been announced by the Ministry of Interior. This has been done to ensure the pilgrims at the Holy Mosque are allowed to perform Hajj pilgrimage with security, peace of mind, and ease. In fact, there are strict measures in place for those who are staying in the city or for individuals even arriving with any type of visas that are not Hajj visas.

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Last Date Of Umrah Announced

At this point, it’s worth mentioning that the MoI has also announced that the last date for Umrah Visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia is April 13. Yes, they will have to leave the kingdom before April 29. Not to mention, Saudi residents can obtain their permits from relevant authorities if they want to enter from April 23, which is a Wednesday.

In fact, these exemptions will also apply to residents who hold a work permit for the holy sites. It will be issued by relevant authorities and those who hold a resident ID issued by the city of Makkah and those who have a valid Hajj permit will be exempted.

Finally, for those of you who are wondering, entry for the city of Makkah for residents working during the Hajj season is issued electronically. This is done by the Absher Individuals and Muqeem Portal.

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