Penalties for those performing the Hajj without permits have been tightened in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian government has further tightened penalties for those who attempt to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without a permit and those who assist them. The new rules came into effect on April 29, the Saudi Gazette reported.

Now, entry to the cities of Mecca and Medina is only possible on the basis of a special Hajj visa. Those who attempt to perform the pilgrimage with other types of visas or without a permit will face serious penalties.

The penalties for violations include the following:

1. Those who perform or attempt to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without a permit will be fined up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (approximately 5.3 thousand US dollars). The same penalties apply to those who enter Mecca and the holy sites with various types of visit visas.

2. Those who assist individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit in obtaining a visit visa, provide them with a place to live or hide, or transport them to the city will be fined up to 100,000 Saudi riyals (approximately 26,000 US dollars). This fine is calculated separately for each violation.

3. Foreign nationals who enter Mecca without a permit and attempt to perform Hajj, including those whose visas have expired, will be deported to their home countries and will be prohibited from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.

4. Vehicles used to transport those who do not have a Hajj permit to Mecca will be confiscated by court order.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism issued a special statement in preparation for the 2025 Hajj season, announcing a strict ban on accommodating pilgrims without permits in residences, hotels or other accommodation in Mecca until June 10.

These measures were introduced to maintain order and security in the country and to provide convenience to pilgrims performing the Hajj officially. Saudi authorities are urging residents and foreign visitors to comply with the new rules and not to violate the established procedures. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!