Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports has deployed portable "mobile counters" at international airports, land borders, and seaports for the first time during Hajj season 1447 AH. The technology allows passport officers to process pilgrims directly at their location rather than requiring them to queue at fixed immigration desks.

How the Mobile Counter Works

The mobile counter is a handheld device that captures biometric data including facial recognition and passport information instantly. Officers carrying these devices can move through waiting areas, buses, and arrival halls to process pilgrims wherever they are - eliminating the need for elderly or disabled pilgrims to stand in long queues.

According to Saudi authorities, the system enables "rapid and flexible completion of passport procedures" by allowing staff to "complete procedures directly without needing to move between different service points." This is particularly significant at Jeddah's Hajj Terminal, where queues during peak arrival days can stretch to 2-3 hours.

Priority for Elderly and Disabled Pilgrims

The mobile counter system pays special attention to elderly pilgrims and those with disabilities. Officers can approach these pilgrims in their seats - whether in the terminal, on a bus, or in a wheelchair - and complete all immigration procedures including photo capture and fingerprinting without requiring them to stand or relocate.

This represents a meaningful improvement for the many elderly pilgrims who find the long walk to immigration counters and the extended standing time physically exhausting, particularly after a long overnight flight.

Part of a Wider Digital Transformation

The mobile counters are one element of Saudi Arabia's broader digital push for Hajj 2026. Other technology initiatives this season include:

  • Smart sensor systems linked to Nusuk cards for crowd monitoring in Mina
  • The Makkah Route Initiative completing immigration at departure airports
  • Electronic Makkah entry permits via the Absher and Muqeem platforms
  • Weather bulletins from the National Meteorological Centre specific to Ihram entry points

Together, these systems aim to reduce the administrative burden on pilgrims so they can focus on the spiritual purpose of their journey from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom.

What Pilgrims Should Expect

If you are arriving at Jeddah or Madinah airports for Hajj 2026, you may encounter officers with handheld devices processing pilgrims in the waiting area before you reach the main immigration hall. Have your passport readily accessible and follow their instructions - this is the new mobile counter system working to speed up your entry. The process is the same as traditional immigration (photo, fingerprints, passport scan) but happens wherever you are rather than at a fixed desk.