Saudi Arabia bans visit visa holders from entering Makkah during Hajj season

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has prohibited people holding visas from entering Makkah during the Hajj season. The ban would be valid from May 23 to June 21.

The Saudi Press Agency reports that the foreign nationals who are currently residing in the nation have been told not to visit Makkah.

Visit visas would not facilitate the trip, the ministry cautioned, and persons or already-traveling travelers would require Hajj licenses in order to reach Makkah and undertake Hajj.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah does not presently grant permits for Umrah using the Nusuk app.

The Saudi government has issued warnings to the public that breaking the law would result in harsh penalties.

“Defying Haj regulations will result in severe and unwavering penalties. A fine of SR10,000 ($2,666) will be imposed on individuals caught in Makkah and the holy sites without a Haj permit, applicable to citizens, residents, and visitors,” the ministry said in a statement on social media platform X.

The statement also emphasized the double fine if there were repetitive offenders, and resident violators face deportation and a ban from entering the kingdom.

The permit is viable for areas such as the central Haram area, the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, and the Haramain train station in Russeifa.

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