In order to ensure safety and order during Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has set new rules, strict deadlines, permit requirements, and penalties for non-compliance.
Age Restrictions
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has banned children from accompanying pilgrims during Hajj 2025 season, Gulf News reported.
The ministry indicated that the ban aims basically to protect children from every year’s crowding during Hajj seasons.
“This measure is taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children and to avoid exposing them to any harm during the pilgrimage,” the ministry added.
Hajj Priority
The ministry also announced that priority for 2025 Hajj participation will be as always for those who have not performed the Hajj before.
Permit Requirements
Since April 23, 2025, entry into Makkah was restricted to individuals with valid permits.
The Kingdom said that People could enter through city checkpoints if they carry one of the following:
- A permit to work at the holy sites, issued by authorized bodies
- A residency card showing Mecca as their registered city
- A valid Hajj permit obtained through official channels
Visa Cut-offs
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah specified April 13 as the final date for Umrah entry to Saudi Arabia, according to Arab News.
The ministry also designated April 29 as the final date for Umrah pilgrims to depart the Kingdom in order to intensify the Kingdom’s preparations ahead of Hajj 2025.
As a result, those who overstay beyond the specified deadlines shall face statutory penalties. In this context, the ministry advised pilgrims and Umrah companies to abide by regulations and instructions.
Companies will have to pay an up to SR100,000 fine if they did not report those pilgrims who stay at the Kingdom after the end of their residency period.
The authorities also advised all Hajj-related companies and establishments to strongly adhere to the Kingdom’s Hajj and Umrah regulations and instructions.
According to the statement, fines can reach up to SR100,000, and they vary depending on the number of pilgrims and Umrah performers who violate their departure dates.
Apart from this, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has stressed that visit visa holders cannot perform Hajj 2025 according to the official regulations.
Based on the new regulations, citizens, residents, and visitors who try to enter Mecca without valid Hajj permits will have to pay a SR10,000 fine.
Furthermore, entering main religious sites such as the Holy City, the Central Haram Area, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Haramain Train Station in Rusayfah, and other Hajj-related locations like security control centers and temporary checkpoints requires a Hajj permit.
Health Requirements
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has updated the health requirements for the 2025 Hajj season to ensure the health and safety of pilgrims.
The new updates seek to boost preventive health, provide high-quality healthcare services, and enhance the efficiency of medical care.
Therefore, they will provide guests of Allah with a safe and healthy environment to enjoy their spiritual journey and smoothly perform their rituals in the Holy Sites.
Importantly, the updated requirements feature health fitness, vaccinations, preventive measures, and various general health guidelines for those coming to the Kingdom for Hajj or seasonal work in Hajj sites.
Recently, the Ministry has also issued health requirements for pilgrims coming from outside the Kingdom to perform Hajj, visit the Prophet’s Mosque, or both. Such requirements include mandatory medical guidelines and precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health.
To review the ministry’s health requirements, kindly visit the link below: https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Pilgrims_Health/Pages/default.aspx.
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