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The Saudi Arabian government is continuously taking new steps to ease the journey of Haj pilgrims. In this connection, ZATCA Governor HE Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi visited the Mecca Route Terminal located at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah. The aim of this initiative is to save passengers from long queues and make their journey pleasant.

What is the Mecca Route Initiative and how will it benefit passengers?

The Mecca Route initiative is an important part of Saudi Vision 2030. Under this, all the important work of Haj pilgrims is completed at the airport of their own country. In this Issuance of e-Visa, passport control and health check-up Is included. Besides, the tagging and sorting of luggage also takes place there, so that after reaching Saudi, the passengers are taken directly to the hotels in Mecca or Medina.

For which countries this facility was started and what is the role of ZATCA?

This service has been implemented for the eighth consecutive time in the year 2026 and now it has been extended to 10 countries. Now Senegal and Brunei Darussalam have also been included in it. The list of other countries is as follows:

• Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia
• Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey
• Ivory Coast, Maldives, Senegal and Brunei Darussalam

ZATCA i.e. Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority is using smart systems and modern technology in this entire process so that the custom clearance process can be completed quickly and passengers do not face any problem.

Officials also visited the border crossing for preparation

Preparations are underway not only at the airport but also on land routes. On 27 April 2026, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, GACA President and ZATCA Governor together visited Al-Haditha and Jadidat Arar border crossings. There he saw what arrangements had been made to welcome the passengers and for their convenience. Many organizations like Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health and stc group are working together in this entire work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which countries are included in the Maize Route Initiative?

It includes a total of 10 countries, which include Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Ivory Coast, Maldives, Senegal and Brunei Darussalam.

How will this initiative save time for passengers?

Travelers’ visa, passport and health checkup are done at the airport of their own country, so that after reaching Saudi Arabia, they do not have to wait long at the airport and they reach their destination directly.