Saudi Arabia announces fines up to 100,000 riyals for Hajj visa violators

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced hefty fines of up to $26,000 (100,000 SAR) and a possible entry ban into the Kingdom for violators of Hajj visa rules.

The ministry emphasized the importance of obtaining an official permit to perform the Hajj pilgrimage for the upcoming season to avoid punishment.

Anyone who is caught performing Hajj without an official permit or with a visit visa will be fined $5,332 (20,000 SAR), the ministry said.

Anyone who applies for a visit visa for a person who performs or attempts to perform Hajj without a permit will be subject to a fine of up to $26,000 (100,000 SAR), according to the ministry.

This also applies to anyone who transports visit visa holders to Mecca or the holy sites during the Hajj period.

This includes housing visit visa holders in hotels, apartments, private residences, shelters, or other pilgrim accommodations, as well as hiding them or offering any form of assistance that enables them to stay in Mecca or the holy sites, the ministry said.

“Penalties increase with the number of violations. Violators including residents and overstayers caught attempting to perform Hajj illegally, will be deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years,” a statement from the ministry posted on social media said.

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and is required once in a lifetime for all Muslims who are physically and financially able.

This year, Hajj is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, June 6, and end on Wednesday, June 11.

Eid al-Adha will commence immediately after Hajj, starting on Sunday, June 8, depending on the moon sighting. It marks the culmination of the pilgrimage and is celebrated by Muslims around the world.