The Saudi Ministry of Interior has issued a renewed warning to expatriates and visitors against overstaying their entry visas, as the Kingdom steps up enforcement ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to the ministry, individuals who remain in Saudi Arabia after their visas expire face fines of up to SR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation following the sentence. Authorities also reiterated that visit visa holders are not permitted to perform Hajj.
“All visitors must strictly adhere to their visa terms and exit the country on time to avoid legal consequences,” the ministry stated. The move is part of broader efforts to streamline the flow of pilgrims and ensure safety during one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.
As part of its regulatory push, Saudi Arabia has implemented new restrictions effective April 23, 2025. Entry into Mecca will be limited to residents with local IDs, individuals holding valid work permits within the holy sites, and pilgrims with official Hajj permits.
In addition, Umrah visa holders were required to enter the Kingdom by April 13 and must depart no later than April 29, 2025.
The government has also placed responsibility on Hajj and Umrah service providers. Companies that fail to report pilgrims who overstay may face fines of up to SR100,000, with penalties increasing based on the number of violations.
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