The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced yesterday, 28th April 2025 the imposition of penalties against various forms of Hajj Visa violations. The penalties are in categories.

First:

A fine of up to SAR 20,000 will be imposed on:

1.Anyone found performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.

2.Any holder of any type of visit visa who attempts to enter, or stays in, the city of Makkah or the Holy Sites from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Second:

A fine of up to SAR 100,000 will be imposed on:

1.Anyone who applies for the issuance of any type of visit visa for a person who subsequently performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit, or enters or stays in Makkah and the Holy Sites during the specified period. Fines will multiply based on the number of individuals issued such visas who violate the regulations.

2.Anyone who transports or attempts to transport holders of visit visas with the aim of reaching Makkah and the Holy Sites during the specified period.

3.Fines will multiply on anyone who shelters, conceals, or assists holders of visit visas in staying within Makkah or the Holy Sites during the specified period, including in hotels, apartments, private residences, pilgrims’ housing facilities, or other accommodations. The fines will multiply according to the number of violators sheltered or assisted.

Third:

Illegal Hajj performers from among residents and visa overstayers will be deported to their home countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

Fourth:

The competent court will be requested to order the confiscation of any land transportation vehicle proven to have been used to transport holders of visit visas to Makkah or the Holy Sites during the specified period, provided the vehicle is owned by the transporter, contributor, or accomplice.

Please be warned.

NAHCON