The Saudi Chamber of Tourism Companies has sent a letter to the participating tourism companies for the 2025 Hajj season, outlining the directive issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regarding the penalties to be imposed on violators of the regulations related to obtaining the necessary permit to perform Hajj. The directive emphasizes that any violation of these regulations will result in severe financial fines for those involved in attempting to perform Hajj without the official permit.
According to the new regulations, a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals will be imposed on any person caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without the required permit. Additionally, individuals holding any type of visit visa and attempting to enter Mecca and the sacred sites or stay there during the specified period, from the first of Dhul-Qi’dah to the end of the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah, will face fines, with the penalties doubling in case of repeated violations.
One of the key points of the directive is the imposition of a fine of up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals on anyone who issues a visit visa, regardless of the type, with the intention of facilitating Hajj without an official permit. This penalty is considered severe and aims to protect the Hajj procedures and ensure the process is organized according to the established regulations. The penalty also applies to anyone who facilitates the entry of unauthorized pilgrims into Mecca or the sacred sites, whether through transportation or accommodation.
The financial fines increase based on the number of individuals who were issued visit visas and were able to enter Mecca and the sacred sites or attempted to perform Hajj without a permit. This means that in case multiple individuals engage in this violation, fines will be multiplied for those who contribute to these offenses.
Additionally, the directive includes penalties for anyone attempting to transport holders of visit visas of any kind to Mecca and the sacred sites during the specified period, with a fine of up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals. The Saudi authorities continue their efforts to combat unauthorized Hajj and ensure precise organization and comprehensive monitoring of the entry of pilgrims to the holy sites, guaranteeing everyone's safety and facilitating the rituals according to legal and regulatory guidelines.
Moreover, anyone who assists in accommodating visit visa holders or provides them with the necessary help to stay in Mecca or the sacred sites during the Hajj period without the required permit will face similar financial penalties. The penalties include assisting in housing violators in hotels, apartments, or any type of accommodation such as shelters and pilgrim housing sites. If they are hidden or assisted by any individual or institution, the same penalties will apply, with escalating fines based on the number of people involved.
This directive aims to strengthen the security and administrative controls related to this year's Hajj and is part of a series of measures taken by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ensure better organization of the season and prevent any violations that may affect the safety of the pilgrims and the smooth conduct of the rituals in Mecca and the sacred sites.
