Saudi Arabia bans accommodation without Hajj permit from April 29

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has issued a directive banning all hospitality establishments in the holy city of Mecca from providing accommodation to individuals lacking an official Hajj permit or authorisation to work or stay in the city during the upcoming Hajj season.

The restrictions will take effect on Dhul Qada 1, 1446, corresponding to April 29, 2025, and will remain in place until the end of the pilgrimage period. The move is part of an inter-ministerial effort to ensure a safe and orderly Hajj.

The announcement follows a statement by the Ministry of Interior, which stressed that individuals entering Mecca without a valid Hajj visa or special permit will not be allowed to stay in the city starting Tuesday, April 29. The policy applies to all visa holders except those officially cleared for pilgrimage or essential work.

The ministry emphasised that hospitality providers in Mecca are “strictly prohibited” from accommodating individuals who fall outside the official Hajj guidelines as defined by the Ministry of Interior.

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of Muslims from around the world each year. Saudi authorities routinely implement comprehensive safety and crowd management protocols to manage the massive influx of worshippers.

The tourism ministry called on all accommodation providers to comply fully with the 2025 Hajj regulations and to work closely with government agencies to uphold public safety and the sanctity of the pilgrimage.