No More Accommodation In Mecca City For All Visa Holders
Saudi Arabia is introducing stricter rules for the 2025 Hajj season to ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage. Starting April 29, 2025 (Dhul Qida 1, 1446), all hotels, apartments, and rental properties in Mecca are banned from hosting anyone without an official Hajj permit or work/stay authorization. This applies to everyone—tourists, residents, or visitors—unless they’re part of the pilgrimage or approved for essential roles like healthcare, security, or logistics.
The government is cracking down to prevent overcrowding and unauthorized stays during Hajj, one of Islam’s Five Pillars, which draws millions of Muslims worldwide. Even regular Saudi visas (e.g., tourist or business visas) won’t allow entry to Mecca during this period. Hotels and rentals face fines or closures if they break the rules, while unauthorized visitors risk deportation or future travel bans.
Why the change?
Saudi Arabia prioritizes pilgrim safety and the spiritual integrity of Hajj. Past seasons saw challenges with overcrowding and unregulated accommodations, which these rules aim to fix. The Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Interior are working together to enforce the policy, ensuring only authorized individuals stay in Mecca.
What to know if you’re attending Hajj 2025:
- Permits are mandatory: Apply early through Saudi’s official platforms like Nusuk—the government’s Hajj/Umrah portal.
- Double-check your visa: Tourist or business visas won’t grant access to Mecca during Hajj. Only Hajj-specific permits or work authorizations are valid.
- Essential workers: If you’re working in Mecca (e.g., medical staff or volunteers), ensure your employer provides official authorization.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to modernize pilgrimage management and improve services for visitors. By tightening regulations, the kingdom aims to reduce scams, streamline crowd control, and uphold the sacredness of Hajj.
