U.S. Embassy & Consulates
in Saudi Arabia

MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS : 2025-05-20

Last Updated: 2025-05-20

Saudi Arabia Announces Restrictions on Entry into Mecca in Preparation for Hajj

Saudi authorities have announced restrictions on entry into Mecca without the proper Hajj permit or visa. Beginning April 23, residents attempting to enter Mecca will require a Hajj permit, a residency ID issued from Mecca, or a valid permit to work in Mecca.

Visa holders will not be permitted to enter Mecca unless they hold a valid Hajj visa. Visa holders without Hajj visas should depart Mecca before April 29. U.S. citizens coming to Saudi Arabia for Hajj are required to obtain a Hajj visa through the Nusuk platform. Saudi authorities announced that individuals attempting to enter Mecca without the required permit or visa will be denied entry and may face deportation and legal action.

April 13 was the last day for entry into Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa. Umrah visa holders are required to depart by April 29. Issuance of Umrah permits on the Nusuk platform is currently suspended.

These measures will remain in effect until June 10, 2025.

Message from Saudi Ministry of Interior:

https://x.com/MOISaudiArabia/status/1911130993756430466?t=OlH00drPGHppNHsPBrmLcA&s=08 

 

Actions to Take: 

• If you are only an Umrah visa holder, leave Mecca before April 29th.
• Stay informed: Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at mytravel.state.gov  to receive e-mails about travel and security information, and other messages important to U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia.
• Follow us on X/Twitter at @KSA_ACS
• Review the Department of State’s Saudi Arabia Travel Advisory and Country Information at travel.state.gov 
• If you see something, say something. Notify local authorities immediately if you encounter unusual or suspicious activity. The local police can be reached at 999 or 911. Ambulances can be reached at 997. More emergency contact numbers can be found on our website at usembassy-sa.com

 

For Assistance Contact:

U.S. Embassy Riyadh 

Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundabout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (11) 835-4000

RiyadhACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah 

Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000

JeddahACS@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran

Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street

Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700

DhahranACS@state.gov