Saudi Passports Directorate Utilizes Airport E-Gates to Speed Up Hajj Pilgrim Departures

Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports is leveraging advanced technology, including self-service e-gates at international airports, to expedite the departure process for pilgrims concluding their Hajj journey. This initiative is being implemented across all border crossings.

The automated e-gates instantly match biometric data, enabling departing pilgrims to complete passport control independently in a matter of seconds. This technological integration, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, significantly boosts passenger throughput, minimizes wait times, and ensures a more efficient exit for all travelers.

Saudi Arabia recently celebrated the exceptional success of this year's Hajj season, attributing it to an integrated system of security, organization, and services that facilitated the pilgrims' rituals with ease and tranquility. The 2026 Hajj saw a total of 1,707,301 pilgrims perform the rituals, with the vast majority, 1,485,729, arriving via air.

Major Nasser Al-Otaibi, spokesperson for the General Directorate of Passports, affirmed on Sunday that the directorate is actively executing its operational plan for pilgrim departures through all international air, land, and sea ports, ensuring a smooth conclusion to their spiritual journey.

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The directorate continues to implement its operational plan for the departure of pilgrims through all international air, land, and sea ports.