As preparations for Hajj 1447 Hijri intensified, Saudi Arabia has drawn up a stringent penal framework aimed at regulating the movement of pilgrims and preventing unauthorized participation. The latest announcement from the Ministry of Interior makes it clear that both individuals and facility providers circumventing permit rules will face heavy fines, deportation and even long-term entry bans.
Strict penalty for unauthorized pilgrims and travel visa holders
At the heart of the rules are fines of up to SAR 20,000, targeting two categories:
- Persons who perform or attempt to perform Hajj without official permission
- Holders of any type of visit visa who enter, attempt to enter or stay in Mecca or the Holy Sites between 1 Dhu al-Qi’ada and 14 Dhu al-Hijja.
The specified period covers the peak Hajj window, during which access is strictly controlled to ensure safety and crowd management.
Heavy fine for facilitators and supporters
More serious fines of up to SAR 100,000 have been imposed for violators. This applies to many actions:
- Applying for a visit visa for persons who undertake or attempt to perform Hajj without a permit, or who enter or remain in Mecca and the holy sites during restricted periods.
- Taking, or attempting to take, visa holders to Mecca and holy sites between 1 Dhu al-Qi’ada and 14 Dhu al-Hijja
- Providing accommodation or shelter to visiting visa holders in any form, including:
- hotel
- apartment
- private residence
- shelters
- Hajj accommodation facilities
- Any other accommodation arrangement
- Concealing such persons or providing any assistance that would allow them to remain in restricted areas during the same period
These fines are not fixed per incident. They are multiplied depending on the number of individuals involved, significantly increasing the financial consequences of large-scale breaches.
Deportation and long-term entry ban
The ministry has also introduced strict immigration consequences. Persons identified as infiltrators, including residents and visa overstayers, will be:
- deported to their home countries
- Banned from re-entering Saudi Arabia for 10 years
The measure aims to prevent repeated violations during Hajj and tighten overall entry controls.
Vehicle seizure and legal recourse
Authorities will also take steps to increase enforcement through the courts. The Ministry of Interior will request to seize land transport vehicles used to transport travel visa holders to Mecca and holy sites during the period 1-11-1447 to 14-12-1447 (23 April 2026 to 4 June 2026). This applies where the vehicle is owned by the transporter, the contributory or any associate involved in the contravention.Additionally, the Ministry has outlined legal safeguards:
- Punished persons have the right to file a complaint within 30 days of notification
- Appeals against Committee decisions may be submitted to the Administrative Court within 60 days of the Committee’s decision.
The framework signals a zero-tolerance approach as Saudi authorities aim to manage the number of pilgrims, reduce overcrowding and ensure a controlled and safe Hajj experience.