Saudi Arabia warns of SR20,000 fine and 10-year-ban for unauthorized Hajj entry
Saudi Gazette report
MAKKAH — The Saudi Ministry of Interior has clarified that visit visas of all types and designations, with the exception of the official Hajj visa, do not entitle their holders to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
In an official statement, the Ministry warned that violators attempting to enter or remain in Makkah or the holy sites between the first day of Dhul-Qi’dah and the end of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah using visit visas will face a fine of up to SR20,000.
The Ministry further stated that all violators — including residents who attempt to perform Hajj without the appropriate permits — will be deported to their countries of origin and banned from entering the Kingdom for 10 years.
The Ministry called on all residents, visitors, and citizens to comply strictly with Hajj regulations and instructions, which are designed to ensure the security and safety of pilgrims so they can perform their rituals in peace and comfort.
Authorities urged the public to report violations by calling (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or (999) in all other regions across the Kingdom.
Latest Saudi Gazette
- Saudi students win 23 awards at ISEF 2025 in OhioSaudi Gazette reportCOLUMBUS, Ohio — The Saudi national team secured 23 awards, including 14 grand prizes and nine special awards, at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2025),
- Saudi student joins global panel at ISEF 2025 for second year in a rowSaudi Gazette reportCOLUMBUS — Saudi student Areej Abdullah Al-Qarni has been selected for the second consecutive year to participate in a high-level panel discussion with global experts in science,
- Saudi Ministry of Health launches multilingual awareness kit for Hajj 1446Saudi Gazette reportJEDDAH — The Saudi Ministry of Health has released the Health Awareness Kit for the Hajj season of 1446 AH.The initiative supports ongoing efforts to enhance public health awareness
- Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed honors AOU startup winners advancing AI and sustainabilityRIYADH — Arab Open University (AOU) concluded its inaugural Startup Competition 2025 at its Riyadh campus, celebrating a range of innovative student-led projects with awards presented by Prince Khaled
- SFDA starts field inspections in preparation for Hajj Season 2025Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — As part of its preparations for the Hajj Season 2025, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has commenced a series of field inspection tours across critical locations
- Saudi Arabia slams continued Israeli crimes of genocide in GazaSaudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation and denunciation of the continued military escalation by the Israeli occupation forces against
