Saudi Arabia bars hajj on visit visas, tightens entry rules

Saudi Arabia has introduced strict new regulations ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, declaring that pilgrimage will no longer be permitted on visit visas as part of tighter crowd control and safety measures.

The Saudi Ministry of Interior said that only individuals holding official Hajj permits will be allowed to enter Makkah and the holy sites from the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul-Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah. Entry without authorisation during this period will be treated as a legal offence.

Under the new rules, anyone attempting to perform Hajj without a valid permit may face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals, reports Gulf News.

Authorities also warned that violators on visit visas could face deportation and a ban on re-entering the kingdom for up to 10 years.

The government has launched this year’s enforcement campaign under the slogan: “No Hajj Without Permit.”

As part of the broader restrictions, the deadline for Umrah pilgrims to leave the country was set for Saturday (April 18). Staying beyond the permitted period will be considered a violation of law. Service providers failing to report overstays may face fines of up to 100,000 riyals and legal action.

Additionally, issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform will remain suspended during the peak Hajj preparation window, applying to citizens, residents, and GCC nationals alike.

Authorities have urged full compliance with the regulations and encouraged the public to report violations via emergency numbers 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other regions.

Meanwhile, Saudi police have arrested a Sudanese national in Makkah on charges of selling fake Hajj permits on social media. The suspect has been referred to the Public Prosecution.