Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a prohibition on visa holders entering Makkah during the Hajj season, effective from May 23 to June 21, Saudi Media reported.
Current foreign nationals in the country are advised against traveling to Makkah, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. The ministry emphasized that only individuals with valid Hajj permits would be allowed entry into Makkah to perform the pilgrimage, and visit visas would not be sufficient.
Additionally, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has halted the issuance of Umrah permits via the Nusuk app.
The Saudi government has issued a stern warning that violations of these regulations will result in severe consequences and substantial fines. “Defying Hajj regulations will result in severe and unwavering penalties. A fine of SR10,000 ($2,666) will be imposed on individuals caught in Makkah and the holy sites without a Hajj permit, applicable to citizens, residents, and visitors,” the ministry stated on the social media platform X.
Repeat offenders will face doubled fines, and resident violators risk deportation and a ban from re-entering the kingdom.
The required Hajj permit will be necessary for access to areas including the central Haram area, the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, and the Haramain train station in Russeifa.
