Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia: Key Immigration and Entry Requirements

Each year, millions travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars. To support the pilgrimage, the Saudi government has streamlined application processes, reinforced health and safety measures, and enhanced coordination. Temporary immigration procedures also apply to travellers during the Hajj season, making it important to understand current requirements for a smooth and compliant journey.

Entry procedures

Hajj entry procedures vary depending on whether pilgrims are based inside or outside Saudi Arabia. Since 2023, most applications have been processed through the Nusuk platform, a government platform launched by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The platform allows users to apply for the Saudi Hajj Visa and Hajj Permit, book flights and accommodation packages, make payments and access relevant information.

Saudi citizens and residents can apply directly through the platform, provided they have not performed Hajj within the last five years. International pilgrims from any of the 122 serviced countries (i.e., countries eligible to use Nusuk, such as most European countries) can also apply through the platform, but must book their travel packages (flights and accommodation) through one of the 14 approved Saudi travel agencies. Pilgrims from non-serviced countries, where Nusuk is not available, must apply through Hajj missions or authorised travel agencies in their home countries.

All international pilgrims must obtain a Saudi Hajj visa, which includes a single-entry visa and a Hajj permit, both issued exclusively for the purpose of performing Hajj. The permitted entry period for 2025 is between 31 May 2025 and 2 June 2025 (4–6 Dhul Hijjah), and pilgrims must depart by 6 July 2025 (10 Muharram). The Hajj permit grants access to the holy sites and authorises participation in the Hajj rituals. In contrast, Saudi nationals and residents only need to obtain a Hajj permit. While registration on the Nusuk platform began in February, visa applications are only processed between 14 April 2025 and 23 May 2025. The average processing time is approximately five business days and early submission is recommended to avoid delays.

Health and documentation requirements 

Saudi authorities have reinforced health regulations for Hajj 2025. Vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis is mandatory for all travellers. For international pilgrims, the vaccine, which can be obtained from any medical centre, must be administered at least 10 days, and no more than three years, prior to arrival in Saudi Arabia. Individuals residing in Saudi Arabia must obtain the required health certificate from the Ministry of Health. Additional vaccinations, such as those for yellow fever, polio and influenza, may be required depending on the traveller’s age, nationality and medical history.

Documentation requirements also vary depending on the applicant’s residence. For Saudi citizens and residents, a valid National ID or Resident ID Card (Iqama) and a health certificate are required. Additional documents can be obtained through the Ministry of Interior’s Absheer platform, which is linked to the Nusuk platform. International pilgrims, on the other hand, must provide a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, a health certificate, recent passport photograph and, if applicable, a proof of relationship for women and children over 12 traveling with a male guardian (mahram).

Temporary entry and exit restrictions

As the Kingdom receives a high number of pilgrims each year, typically between two and three million, resources are temporarily redirected to prioritise the needs of pilgrims and their experience during this sacred period. These measures also ensure that only those with an approved Saudi Hajj Visa or Hajj Permit have access to the holy sites.

To support these efforts, Saudi authorities have introduced temporary immigration measures that affect select nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia during this period. Per visa agents and media reports there is a temporary pause on the issuance of visit visas for business, tourism or family purposes for nationals of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen. This suspension is expected to remain in place until the end of June 2025, aligning with the conclusion of the Hajj season. In general, individuals from these countries with valid visit visas can continue to enter and exit Saudi Arabia. However, entry and exit decisions remain at the discretion of the authorities, and some travellers have faced boarding denials or received instructions to depart.

In addition, Umrah pilgrims were required to leave the Kingdom by 29 April 2025. While no formal exit deadline has been set for other visit visa holders, all travellers are advised to monitor official announcements closely and prepare for changes at short notice.

Given these temporary measures, companies are advised to review any planned business travel to Saudi Arabia, as longer processing times and unexpected delays may occur while resources remain focused on facilitating Hajj.

Compliance

Strict compliance with Hajj-specific requirements and temporary entry and exit measures are essential for all travellers during this period. Pilgrims must ensure that they meet all requirements to secure a Saudi Hajj Visa or Hajj Permit, apply through authorised platforms, and adhere to official timelines. Similarly, those entering Saudi Arabia for non-Hajj purposes must comply with temporary restrictions introduced during the Hajj period. Overstaying a visa or violating entry requirements may result in penalties of up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, deportation and future travel bans. Sponsors or companies that fail to report overstayers may also face substantial fines.

Need to know more?

For further information on Saudi Arabia's immigration requirements, please contact Partner Abeer Husseini at [email protected].

This blog was published on 15 May 2025 and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.