Riyadh, April 13 -- Saudi Arabia has enforced new restrictions on entry to Makkah, barring expatriates and residents without valid permits as preparations intensify for the Haj 1447 AH/2026 season.

In a post on X, the General Directorate of Public Security confirmed that, effective Monday, April 13, individuals without authorised documentation will be denied access at security checkpoints on routes leading to the holy city.

Under the regulations, entry is limited to those holding a Makkah-issued residency permit (Iqama), a valid Haj permit, or an official work authorisation for the holy sites. Those who do not meet these requirements will be turned back.

The measures form part of a wider framework introduced by the Ministry of Interior...