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As the 2025 Hajj season approaches, Saudi authorities are reminding citizens, residents, and visitors of severe penalties for violating Hajj regulations, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and even deportation for non-compliance.
With the Hajj 2025 season approaching, Saudi authorities are taking a firm stance on enforcing regulations to ensure the safety and orderliness of the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Tourism has issued a clear warning that violators of Hajj rules will face strict penalties.
The ministry emphasized that anyone caught transporting pilgrims without a valid permit will face a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately Dh9,700). This applies to citizens, residents, and visitors alike. However, the penalty can escalate quickly: individuals caught transporting multiple unauthorized pilgrims will face a fine per violator. For example, if someone is found transporting 15 unauthorized pilgrims, they will incur a fine of 150,000 Riyals (10,000 Riyals per pilgrim).
In addition to the fine, violators may face imprisonment for up to 15 days. Vehicles used for illegal pilgrim transport will also be confiscated by court order. Furthermore, the names of violators will be publicly disclosed in an effort to discourage others from breaking the law.
For residents of Saudi Arabia, the penalties are even more severe. If a resident violates Hajj regulations—whether by attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a valid permit or by transporting unauthorized pilgrims—they will face deportation after serving their sentence. Deportees will be banned from re-entering the Kingdom for a designated period, based on the law.
Additionally, hospitality facilities in Makkah have been ordered to deny accommodation to individuals without a valid Hajj permit or an approved entry permit for work or residence in the city. This rule will be enforced from Dhul-Qi’dah 1, 1446 AH (April 29, 2025) and remain in effect until the conclusion of the Hajj season.
The Ministry of Tourism’s strict enforcement is part of efforts to ensure that the Hajj pilgrimage remains safe and organized, ensuring that only authorized pilgrims are allowed to partake in this important religious event.
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