RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route initiative, aimed at simplifying travel and entry processes for Hajj pilgrims from partner countries, has successfully served over 618,000 pilgrims in the past five years.
Pilgrims from Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, and the Ivory Coast have benefited from this streamlined approach, reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
Launched in 2019 across Muslim nations, the Makkah Route initiative enables pilgrims to complete visa, customs, and health requirements at their departure airports. The process includes the issuance of electronic visas and the collection of individual information, ensuring a smooth journey from the pilgrim’s home country to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Makkah Route Initiative Facilitating Hajj Pilgrims
The initiative involves the placement of stickers on luggage and passports, containing essential flight data and accommodation details for each pilgrim. This tagging service is conducted by specialized teams under the supervision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, the pilgrims’ luggage is received and delivered to their designated accommodations. The collaboration between various government agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and others, ensures the effective implementation of the Makkah Route initiative.
The success of the Makkah Route initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing services and facilitating the sacred journey for Muslims from around the world.
