Saudi Arabia Clarifies Visit Visa Holders Not Permitted to Perform Hajj, Warns of Fines and Deportation

Riyadh, May 24 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — The Ministry of Interior has issued a clarification stating that all visit visa types, except for officially issued Hajj visas, do not permit the holder to perform Hajj during the 1446 AH season.

In a statement released on Saturday, the ministry emphasized that any individual holding a visit visa who enters or remains in Makkah or the holy sites between Dhu Al-Qi’dah 1 and Dhu Al-Hijjah 14 will be subject to a fine of up to SAR 20,000, in addition to deportation and a 10-year ban on re-entry into the Kingdom.

The measure is part of ongoing efforts to regulate the pilgrimage process, ensuring that only authorized pilgrims with valid Hajj permits are present in the holy sites during the specified period.

“These regulations are designed to safeguard the safety, security, and spiritual integrity of pilgrims performing Hajj,” the Ministry stated.

The Ministry of Interior also urged all residents and visitors to comply fully with Hajj regulations and encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.