Saudi Announce New Permit To Enter Mecca City

Saudi Announce New Permit To Enter Mecca City

The Saudi Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), has launched a Unified Portal for issuing permits to enter Mecca and the Holy Sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah) during the Hajj season.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the portal will issue permits to:

1. Hajj pilgrims traveling from inside or outside Saudi Arabia.
2. Residents in Saudi Arabia who need to enter Mecca or the Holy Sites during Hajj season for professional duties (e.g., healthcare workers, service providers, or journalists).

The portal, named “Mansaa Tasreeh”, will integrate with the Ministry of Hajj’s “Nusuk” platform and the Tawakkalna app to issue permits. Security officials at checkpoints around Mecca will scan permits to instantly verify the holder’s details.

Key Rules:

• Starting April 23, 2023, permits are mandatory for entry to Mecca and the Holy Sites during Hajj.
• Exemptions: Foreigners with residency permits (iqama) issued in Mecca do not need a permit. However, foreigners residing in other Saudi cities must obtain a permit if traveling to Mecca or the Holy Sites for work during Hajj.

  What’s Happening?
  Saudi Arabia introduced a new online system to manage entry into Mecca and the Holy Sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah) during Hajj. The goal is to ensure safety, reduce overcrowding, and streamline the pilgrimage process.

  Who Needs a Permit?

  • Pilgrims: Anyone traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
  • Residents in Saudi Arabia: People working in Mecca during Hajj (e.g., doctors, journalists, or service staff).
  • Exempt: Foreigners whose residency permits (iqama) were issued in Mecca.

  How Does It Work?

  1. Apply via the Unified Portal “Mansaa Tasreeh”, linked to:
     • Nusuk: Saudi’s official Hajj/Umrah platform for booking services.
     • Tawakkalna: An app used for digital IDs, health status, and government services.
  2. Permits are scanned at checkpoints around Mecca for instant verification.

  Why Is This Important?

  • Safety: Controls overcrowding and ensures only authorized individuals enter holy sites.
  • Tech-Driven: Uses AI (via SDAIA) to process permits quickly, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to modernize infrastructure.
  • Convenience: Links to apps like Tawakkalna and Nusuk for a seamless experience.