Senegal has officially joined Saudi Arabia's 'Makkah Route' initiative, a program designed to streamline travel procedures for Hajj pilgrims. The agreement was signed in Riyadh on April 16, 2026, between Saudi Arabia's Director of Public Security, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, and Senegal's Minister of the Interior, General Jean Baptiste Tine.
The 'Makkah Route' initiative allows pilgrims to complete all immigration, customs, and health requirements in their home country before departure. This includes issuing electronic visas, tagging and sorting luggage, and transporting pilgrims directly to their accommodations in Saudi Arabia upon arrival, bypassing lengthy airport procedures.
Senegal becomes the 12th country to join the program, which was launched in 2018. Other participating nations include Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Morocco, Bangladesh, Turkey, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to enhance services for pilgrims under its Vision 2030 reform plan.
The integration is expected to significantly ease the logistical burden for Senegalese pilgrims undertaking the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. The Saudi Ministry of Interior stated the move reflects the Kingdom's commitment to providing high-quality services to pilgrims from around the world.
