Saudi Arabia has expanded the implementation of the “Makkah Route” initiative to 10 countries and 17 entry points as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate travel for Hajj pilgrims.
Saudi officials say the initiative allows pilgrims to complete all entry procedures into Saudi Arabia before departure and in their home countries. This measure, implemented within the framework of the country’s Vision 2030, has made the Hajj journey faster, easier, and fully digital for millions of pilgrims.
According to Arab News, pilgrims entering Saudi Arabia through this initiative spend only a few minutes at border control checkpoints, as all entry requirements and procedures have already been completed in their home countries.
The “Makkah Route” initiative was first announced in 2018 and officially launched in 2019. The program was designed to reduce the difficulties of Hajj travel and provide greater comfort for pilgrims so they can perform their religious rituals with better focus and peace of mind.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced that in 2026 the scope of these services has expanded to 17 entry points across 10 countries, with Senegal and Brunei Darussalam joining the initiative for the first time. Other participating countries include Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Maldives.
Many pilgrims who have used these services have praised the high level of organization and the ease of the travel process, saying the initiative has provided them with greater comfort and reassurance.
Bangladeshi pilgrims said that completing all administrative procedures before leaving their country made their journey faster and more organized, while also saving significant time, since they no longer had to wait in long passport control lines upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
In Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Hajj quota, pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the improved services and rapid transfer to accommodations after arriving in Saudi Arabia. They said the simplified procedures in their home country and the separate handling of luggage provided greater peace of mind.
In Türkiye, the initiative is being implemented for the fourth consecutive year. The provision of integrated services through a dedicated terminal at Istanbul Airport, along with staff fluent in Turkish, Arabic, and English, has made guidance and communication with pilgrims much easier.
According to statistics from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, a total of 1,254,994 pilgrims have benefited from the “Makkah Route” initiative since its launch.
Saudi Arabia is also expanding digital Hajj-related services through the Tawakkalna app, enabling pilgrims to obtain and display Hajj permits electronically before leaving their home countries. Saudi officials say this step is part of the kingdom’s broader plan to expand digital services and further facilitate the Hajj journey for pilgrims.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
