Saudi Arabia bars visit visa holders from performing Hajj

Only travelers with official Hajj permits will be allowed to enter Mecca during the pilgrimage season

Saudi Arabia has banned all visit visa holders from performing Hajj this year as the Kingdom tightens regulations ahead of the annual pilgrimage.

According to Gulf News, the Ministry of Interior confirmed that only individuals holding an official Hajj permit will be granted access to Mecca and the holy sites during the pilgrimage period, which runs from the start of Dhu Al Qi'dah until the 14th of Dhu Al Hijjah.

Stiff penalties for violations

Authorities warned that any attempt to enter or stay in the holy areas without proper authorization will be treated as a legal violation. Visit visa holders caught trying to perform Hajj face fines of up to SR20,000. Residents and those who have overstayed their visas may be deported and barred from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

Officials stressed that performing Hajj without a valid permit is a clear breach of the law and urged the public to follow the rules.

Stiff penalties for violations

The crackdown extends beyond Hajj. Saudi authorities have suspended the issuance of Umrah permits for the duration of the Hajj season, meaning only authorized Hajj pilgrims can enter Mecca during this period.

The government has also enforced strict exit deadlines for Umrah visitors. April 18 was the final date for Umrah pilgrims to leave the Kingdom.

Crowd control and safety

The restrictions are part of a wider effort to manage crowd numbers, maintain safety, and ensure the smooth running of one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world. Hajj draws millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia each year, and authorities have increasingly moved to regulate access in recent years.