Tourism Ministry Affirms that Visit Visa Holders Not Permitted to Engage in Hajj Rituals


Makkah: The Ministry of Tourism has clarified that visit visas, regardless of their kind or designation, do not permit holders to engage in Hajj rituals in accordance with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s regulations.

The ministry emphasized that the Kingdom’s regulations mandate a fine of SAR 10,000 for all citizens, residents, and visitors who violate Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit. This fine applies to individuals who do not have a Hajj permit and are arrested in Makkah, the central region, the holy sites, the Haramain train station in Rusaifa, security control centers, screening centers, and temporary security control centers. Additionally, expatriates will be deported to their home country and prohibited from entering the Kingdom within specified timeframes.

The ministry underscored the significance of adhering to Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals in a secure, comfortable, and tranquil atmosphere. In the event of a repeat violation, the
security authorities will impose a doubled fine of SAR 10,000 on violators.

The Ministry of Tourism urged all individuals entering the Kingdom on a visit visa of any kind to review the instructions and adhere to the approved pledges before obtaining a visa. Additionally, they were urged to fully comply with all instructions issued in this regard to prevent any violations of regulations.

Source: Saudi Press Agency