2026 Hajj: Saudi Orders Non-Hajj Visitors to Exit Makkah by April 18
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has directed all visitors in the Kingdom on non-Hajj visas, including Umrah, tourist, and business categories to depart Makkah no later than April 18th, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.
The ministry emphasized that the directive forms part of a broader operational transition from the Umrah season to the 2026 Hajj exercise, aimed at ensuring a structured and secure pilgrimage environment.
According to the guidelines, the April 18th deadline constitutes a mandatory exit date for all individuals currently in Makkah under non-Hajj visa arrangements as well as those coming in.
Authorities noted that strict compliance will be enforced to facilitate crowd management, logistical coordination, and safety protocols ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
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The move signals the Kingdom’s shift into full-scale Hajj readiness, with regulatory measures tightening around access to the holy city to accommodate only accredited pilgrims.
The directive underscores Saudi Arabia’s continued prioritization of operational efficiency and pilgrim safety as global Hajj traffic intensifies.
