Unauthorised Hajj Pilgrims Will Face 10-Year Ban From Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter penalties for unauthorised access to Hajj pilgrimage sites, as part of a broader effort to regulate entry and ensure public safety during the annual season. Individuals attempting to enter Makkah or other sacred areas without an official Hajj permit will now face a fine of up to SAR 20,000 (approximately USD 5,300) and may be barred from re-entering the Kingdom for up to 10 years.

The new enforcement measures apply to both residents and international visitors, regardless of whether they possess a valid tourist or visit visa. Authorities have reiterated that separate documentation is required to perform Hajj, and that general entry permissions do not extend to pilgrimage zones.

In addition to penalising unauthorised pilgrims, the Kingdom has also introduced fines of up to SAR 100,000 (around USD 26,000) for those found assisting or transporting individuals without permits.

These regulations come ahead of this year’s Hajj season, during which millions of Muslims are expected to travel to the Kingdom. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has tightened crowd control and safety protocols to accommodate increasing numbers while ensuring the security and wellbeing of all pilgrims.