Saudi Arabia has received a total of 890,883 international pilgrims as of the end of Friday for the 1446H Hajj season, according to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). The steady influx of pilgrims through airports, land borders, and seaports underscores the Kingdom’s robust preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
Of the total, 846,415 pilgrims arrived via international airports, 41,646 through land border crossings, and 2,822 by sea. Authorities affirmed that advanced technical systems and multilingual personnel have been fully deployed across all major ports of entry to streamline the arrival process and ensure a smooth experience for all pilgrims.
Among the latest arrivals was the first Hajj flight from the United Kingdom, which landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with 142 pilgrims. The group was warmly received by the British Consul General in Jeddah, Cecille El-Bilidy, along with officials from Jeddah Airports Company and other government agencies.
Jeddah Airports Company confirmed full operational readiness across its major terminals, including Terminal 1, the Northern Terminal, and the Hajj and Umrah Complex. The facilities feature 558 immigration counters, 407 baggage check-in stations, 100 boarding bridges, 81 customs inspection devices, 67 luggage belts, and 259 bus parking bays, geared towards handling the peak Hajj traffic efficiently.
As preparations continue, Saudi authorities have issued a stern warning against attempts to perform Hajj without proper authorization. The Ministry of Interior reiterated that visit visas, whether for tourism, business, or family visits,do not permit participation in Hajj rituals. Only officially issued Hajj visas are valid for access to the holy sites during the pilgrimage season.
The ministry cautioned that individuals on visit visas found in Makkah or the surrounding holy sites between Dhu Al-Qi’dah 1 and Dhu Al-Hijjah 14 will face penalties including a fine of up to SAR 20,000, deportation, and a 10-year re-entry ban.
Citizens, residents, and visitors are urged to comply strictly with Hajj regulations aimed at safeguarding the safety and sanctity of the pilgrimage. The public is also encouraged to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other parts of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia continues to scale up its logistical and security efforts to accommodate pilgrims from across the globe, ensuring a safe and spiritually fulfilling Hajj season.
