Saudi authorities have decided to prohibit individuals holding visit visas from entering or remaining in Mecca during the Hajj season. The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced via its X social media account, "Entry to the city of Mecca or remaining therein for all types of visit visa holders is not permitted starting from 15/11 (Dhu al-Qi'dah) / 1445 AH until 15/12 (Dhu al-Hijjah) / 1445 AH."
The ministry added that visit visas of all types and names do not serve as permits for the holders to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The authorities stressed that "violators will be subject to penalties according to the laws and regulations in the Kingdom."
Previously, Saudi authorities had announced the penalty for individuals caught in Mecca and the holy sites during the Hajj season without prior authorization. The Ministry of Interior stated: "The penalty for violators of Hajj regulations will be applied to those found without Hajj permits inside Mecca, the central area, the holy sites, the Haramain train station in Al-Rusaifa, security checkpoints, screening centers, and temporary security checkpoints, from June 2 to June 20."
The statement emphasized that "a fine of 10,000 riyals will be imposed on any citizens, residents, or visitors found within the geographical area without a Hajj permit, and violators will be deported to their home countries and banned from entering the Kingdom for specified durations."
Furthermore, the announcement highlighted that "a doubled financial penalty of 10,000 riyals will be imposed on repeat offenders," underlining "the importance of adhering to Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure that the guests of Allah perform their rituals in peace, security, and comfort."
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the penalty for anyone caught transporting violators of Hajj regulations without a permit includes a prison sentence of up to 6 months and a fine of up to 50,000 riyals, along with a judicial order to confiscate the means of transportation. If the transporter is a foreigner, they will be deported after serving their penalty and banned from entering the Kingdom for specified periods, with financial penalties multiplying for each transported violator.
