The Saudi Public Security announced that, starting April 23, residents will be prohibited from entering Mecca without a permit. Exceptions include those with work permits in Mecca, residency IDs issued from there, or Hajj permits.

Violators will be turned back at security checkpoints. Entry permits for residents working during the Hajj season will be issued electronically in coordination with the Hajj permit issuance platform.

The Ministry of Interior also reiterated that all visa holders, except those on Hajj visas, are banned from entering or staying in Mecca starting April 29.