Makkah | B
19 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1447 AH | 06 May 2026

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah called on pilgrims to ensure obtaining a Hajj permit through officially approved channels, confirming that the official visa is the only path to perform the pilgrimage. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior stressed the enforcement of strict penalties against violators of Hajj regulations and instructions, especially those transporting pilgrims without permits, as part of efforts to organize the season and ensure the safety of pilgrims.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that the Hajj visa is the only visa that allows the performance of the pilgrimage, and that permits are issued through official channels in accordance with procedures that ensure the orderly journey of the pilgrim from arrival until completing the rituals.

It affirmed that compliance with obtaining a permit enables pilgrims to benefit from services in the holy sites and enhances public safety within an integrated system for crowd management and transportation organization.

The ministry also warned against dealing with unofficial channels or fraudulent offers promoting illegal permits or visas, as this may result in the inability to perform the rituals or exposure to legal penalties, stressing that official channels ensure a safe and organized experience.

Strict Measures

In the same context, the Ministry of Interior confirmed that transporting violators of Hajj regulations without a permit exposes the transporter to penalties including:

A fine of up to SAR 50,000
Imprisonment for up to 6 months
Confiscation of the vehicle by judicial ruling

The violating transporter will also be deported if a resident, after serving the sentence, and banned from entering the Kingdom in accordance with regulations.

The ministry emphasized that obtaining an official Hajj permit is a fundamental requirement to perform the pilgrimage, calling on الجميع to comply with the regulations for Hajj 1447 AH and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims.

It also urged reporting violators via (911) in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and (999) in other regions of the Kingdom.

B Analysis

These measures reflect an integrated approach that combines regulation and deterrence to ensure efficient crowd management and maintain the safety of pilgrims, given the large numbers and logistical challenges associated with the Hajj season.

Hajj is a system… not open to improvisation.
The permit is the gateway to safety and organization.