Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia imposes heavy fines for unauthorized pilgrims

RIYADH: As Hajj pilgrims arrive to perform their sacred duty, the Saudi administration announced strict rules for unauthorized individuals entering Saudi Arabia. 

Anyone without the official invitation attempts to enter will face a fine of up to 20,000 riyals, according to the ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia.

Any assistance to the unofficial pilgrims will lead to a fine of up to 100,000 Riyals. Anyone with a visitor visa, entering the holy sights, will face up to 20,000 riyals fine.

The ministry further noted that those who violate the rules and their facilitators will be deported with 10 10-year ban from entering the country.

These penalties will be enforced from the 1st of Dhul Qadah until the 14th of Dhul Hijjah.

Earlier Today, the Hajj 2025 flight operation has commenced in Pakistan, and this means the sacred journey has begun for thousands of people. The first flight, PIA PK-713, departs from Islamabad International Airport to Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, highlighted that the government had commitments to provide maximum facilities that would meet the needs of the pilgrims in Pakistan during the Hajj season.

The minister also requested that the pilgrims respect all of the laws laid out by Saudi Arabia, and he highlighted the importance of the SIM card and mobile application provided to each pilgrim to assist them if they lose their way during Mina.