Hajj without a permit: Deportation and 10-year ban now in force

Starting April 29, Saudi Arabia has begun imposing strict fines and deportation measures against individuals who attempt to perform the Hajj pilgrimage without a valid permit, according to the "Saudi Gazette".

Under the new enforcement measures, those who perform or attempt to perform Hajj without a permit may face fines of up to 20,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $5,300). The same penalty applies to visitors holding any type of visa who attempt to enter or remain in Mecca or the designated holy sites during the Hajj period.

More severe penalties are also in place. Individuals caught entering Mecca or the holy sites without a Hajj permit—including those who apply for visitor visas while in the area—could face fines of up to 100,000 Saudi riyals (around $26,000). 

In addition to the financial penalties, unauthorized pilgrims—whether residents or overstayers—will be deported and banned from reentering Saudi Arabia for 10 years.

Authorities have also warned against fraudulent Hajj and Umrah services. The Public Prosecutor’s Office recently issued an alert regarding businesses that falsely claim to organize pilgrimages, deceiving citizens and endangering their safety by transporting them without the proper arrangements.