Online permits
Worshippers are no longer required to obtain a permit and appointment to pray at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, or the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
However, pilgrims should still obtain a Hajj permit through the online app Absher.
To regulate the Hajj pilgrimage, the KSA authorities have stated that only those with Hajj and Umrah permits are allowed to enter Mecca.
This means that all visitors, including expatriate residents, and Saudi nationals without a permit, will not be granted entry to the city.
The restriction will remain in effect until the end of this year’s Hajj season, on July 12.