Travelling to Saudi Arabia During Hajj 2026: What Is Open, What Is Closed, and the SAR 20,000 Fines
Makkah is closed to non-Hajj visa holders from 13 April to early June 2026. Riyadh, AlUla, and the Red Sea coast remain open. Violators face SAR 20,000 fines, deportation, and a 10-year re-entry ban. Here is what every traveller needs to know.
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The Window: 13 April to Early June 2026
Saudi Arabia closes the holy city of Makkah to all non-Hajj travellers each year ahead of the pilgrimage. For 2026, the restrictions started on 13 April and continue until shortly after Hajj wraps up in early June.
The actual Hajj is expected to fall on approximately 25-30 May 2026, with exact dates confirmed by official moon sighting closer to the time. The closure window is much wider than the Hajj itself - it covers the Umrah cut-off, the build-up, the pilgrimage, and the aftermath.
This is a hard restriction. There are no exceptions for short stopovers, transit, or family visits.
Who Cannot Enter Makkah
If you hold any of the following, you cannot enter Makkah during the restriction period:
- Saudi tourist e-visa
- Saudi visit visa (family, business, or government)
- Saudi business visa
- Transit visa
- Umrah visa (after 18 April)
- GCC residency visa from another Gulf country
- Iqama (Saudi residence permit) issued outside Makkah without a separate Makkah entry permit
The only people allowed into Makkah are:
- Hajj visa holders (international pilgrims who applied through the official Hajj programme)
- Hajj permit holders (domestic pilgrims with permits issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah)
- Makkah residents with an iqama issued in Makkah
- Workers with electronic permits for the Holy Sites
- Citizens and residents with a Makkah entry permit issued by the Ministry of Interior
Saudi citizens and GCC nationals who do not live in Makkah also need a Makkah entry permit to enter the city during this period.
The Umrah Cut-Off (18 April 2026)
If you arrived in Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa before the deadline, you had to leave the Kingdom by 18 April 2026. Anyone who stayed past that date is now in overstay territory and faces standard overstay fines plus the Hajj-specific penalties below.
The Nusuk platform stopped issuing new Umrah permits on 18 April and will resume around 10-11 June 2026, after Hajj concludes. If you are planning Umrah, the next available window opens in mid-June.
Penalties for Unauthorised Entry
Saudi authorities have raised the penalties for 2026 to deter unauthorised pilgrims, who in past years have caused serious crowd control issues:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Entering Makkah without Hajj visa or permit | SAR 20,000 (~USD 5,330) fine |
| Performing Hajj on a non-Hajj visa | SAR 20,000 fine + deportation + 10-year re-entry ban |
| Assisting unauthorised pilgrims (transport, accommodation, fake visas) | Up to SAR 100,000 (~USD 26,660) |
| Overstaying an Umrah visa past 18 April | Standard overstay fines + Hajj penalties on top |
The 10-year re-entry ban is the most consequential penalty. It locks you out of Saudi Arabia for visits, work, and any future Hajj or Umrah - something to weigh carefully if you are tempted to take a shortcut.
What Is Still Open
Saudi Arabia is a much bigger country than the Hajj season suggests. Most major destinations remain fully open to tourist visa holders during the restriction period:
Riyadh
The capital is unaffected. Diriyah, the National Museum, Boulevard World, Edge of the World, and the wider Riyadh Season calendar continue. Note that the Eid al-Adha public holiday (approximately 27-31 May) closes some government offices and reduces business hours, but malls, restaurants, and tourist attractions stay open with extended evening hours.
AlUla
AlUla - home to Hegra (Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site), Elephant Rock, Maraya concert hall, and the Old Town - is approximately 1,100 km north of Makkah and completely unaffected. Direct flights operate from Riyadh and Jeddah to AlUla airport throughout the season. AlUla has been actively marketed as the prime Saudi destination for non-pilgrim travellers.
NEOM and the Red Sea Coast
NEOM, The Line, Sindalah, and the broader Red Sea Project resorts continue normal operations. The Red Sea coast is positioned as a luxury beach destination separate from any pilgrimage routes.
Dammam and the Eastern Province
Dammam, Khobar, and the bridge to Bahrain are unaffected. This region is a practical base for shorter visits and combines well with quick trips into Bahrain.
Madinah
Madinah remains accessible to tourist and Umrah visa holders, though the Prophet's Mosque sees heavy crowds throughout the season. Some flights into Madinah may be restricted during peak Hajj days - check with your airline before booking.
Jeddah
Jeddah is the main international gateway to the region and remains open for transit and tourism. Avoid the road to Makkah and any signage indicating Hajj-only routes - police checkpoints actively turn back non-pilgrims approaching the holy city.
Practical Advice for Tourist Visa Holders Travelling in May 2026
- 1Avoid booking flights into Makkah-area airports if you are not on a Hajj visa. Jeddah is fine, but plan to leave the Jeddah area without driving toward Makkah.
- 2Check government office hours around the Eid al-Adha holiday (27-31 May) - banks, embassies, and ministries may close.
- 3Expect heavier security across the country in late May. Carry your passport and visa printout at all times.
- 4Hotel rates spike in Madinah and Jeddah during the season. AlUla and Riyadh are usually better value if your itinerary is flexible.
- 5Domestic flight schedules shift - some Madinah and Jeddah routes are reserved for Hajj-related operations during peak days.
When Things Reopen
| Date | What Resumes |
|---|---|
| ~30 May 2026 | Hajj concludes (subject to moon sighting) |
| Early June 2026 | Makkah reopens to Saudi residents and tourist visa holders |
| 10-11 June 2026 | Umrah permits resume on the Nusuk platform |
| Mid-June 2026 | International Umrah visas issued normally |
If you are planning Umrah, the mid-June to October window is generally the easiest time to apply, with shorter Nusuk processing and lower hotel rates than the autumn months leading into Ramadan.
FAQs
Can I do Umrah on a tourist visa in May 2026?
Not during the restriction window (18 April - 31 May). Tourist visas allow Umrah at most other times of the year, but not during Hajj season.
What if I am transiting through Jeddah airport - can I exit and re-enter?
Yes, transit through Jeddah airport is unaffected. You should not, however, leave the airport with the intention of approaching Makkah.
Can I visit Madinah during the Hajj period?
Yes. Madinah remains accessible to tourist and Umrah visa holders, though expect heavy crowds and tighter security checks.
What if I already entered Saudi Arabia before 13 April on a tourist visa - can I still go to Makkah?
No. The restriction applies based on your visa type, not your entry date. Tourist visas do not grant Makkah access during the restricted window.
Are there exceptions for medical or family emergencies?
Limited case-by-case exceptions exist via the Ministry of Interior, but they are rare and require official sponsorship. Do not assume you will receive one.
Verified against Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ministry of Interior, and Khaleej Times / Gulf News coverage as of 4 May 2026. Penalties and dates can change - check official sources before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter Makkah on a Saudi tourist visa during Hajj 2026?
No. From 13 April 2026 until early June, only holders of a Hajj visa, Hajj permit, or Makkah entry permit can enter the city. Tourist, business, visit, and transit visas do not grant access. Violators face a SAR 20,000 fine, deportation, and a 10-year re-entry ban.
What are the penalties for entering Makkah without a Hajj visa?
Unauthorised entry carries a SAR 20,000 fine (approximately USD 5,330), deportation from Saudi Arabia, and a 10-year ban on re-entering the Kingdom. Those who assist unauthorised pilgrims face fines of up to SAR 100,000.
When do Umrah visas resume after Hajj 2026?
The Nusuk platform stopped issuing Umrah permits on 18 April 2026 and is expected to resume around 10-11 June 2026, after Hajj concludes.
Can I still visit Riyadh, AlUla, and the Red Sea coast during Hajj 2026?
Yes. Riyadh, AlUla, NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Dammam, and Madinah remain open to tourist visa holders. Only the city of Makkah and its immediate surroundings are restricted.
When are the actual Hajj 2026 dates?
Hajj 2026 is expected to fall approximately 25-30 May, with exact dates confirmed by official moon sighting closer to the time. The Eid al-Adha public holiday follows immediately, around 27-31 May.
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