Saudi Arabia Enforces Strict Hajj Permit Regulations

Apr 18, 2026

74 min

Apr 18, 2026 21:31

Saudi Arabia: All visit visas barred from Hajj access

## Permit Requirement for Hajj

Saudi Arabia has announced that only individuals with an official Hajj permit will be allowed to enter Mecca and the holy sites during the pilgrimage period. This period extends from the start of Dhu Al Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah. The Ministry of Interior emphasized that visit visas of any type do not grant permission to perform Hajj.

## Penalties for Violations

Authorities have set fines up to 20,000 Saudi riyals for those attempting to perform Hajj without a permit. Residents and overstayers found participating in Hajj without authorization will face deportation and a 10-year re-entry ban. Companies failing to report overstayers may incur fines up to 100,000 riyals.

## Suspension of Umrah Permits

The issuance of Umrah permits through the Nusuk platform has been suspended for all categories, including citizens and GCC nationals, during the Hajj period. This measure aims to ensure that only authorized pilgrims access Mecca.

## Enforcement and Compliance

The Ministry of Interior is implementing these measures to safeguard the safety and security of pilgrims. The public is urged to comply with regulations and report any violations. Emergency numbers have been provided for different regions to facilitate reporting.

## Fraud Prevention

In a related incident, a Sudanese resident was arrested in Mecca for allegedly promoting fake entry permits on social media. Legal action has been initiated against the individual, highlighting the authorities' commitment to preventing fraud and ensuring compliance with Hajj regulations.

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