As the sacred season of Hajj 2025 approaches, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a sweeping enforcement campaign aimed at curbing unauthorized participation in the pilgrimage. With Eid ul Adha expected to begin in early June, falling on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah—the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar—the Kingdom is taking proactive measures to safeguard the safety, security, and spiritual sanctity of the holy event.
The Ministry has issued clear warnings that any violations of pilgrimage regulations could result in steep penalties, including fines as high as 100,000 Saudi Riyals, vehicle confiscation, deportation, and even a decade-long ban from re-entering the country. Officials have made it unequivocally clear that performing Hajj without the proper authorization is strictly forbidden.
Domestic pilgrims must secure an official Hajj permit issued by Saudi authorities, while international worshippers are required to hold a valid Hajj visa. Any attempt to undertake the pilgrimage using alternative visa types—including visit, tourist, or business visas—is a direct violation of Saudi law. According to the Ministry, the permit requirement is not only a legal necessity but a fundamental part of managing crowd control, logistics, and emergency response planning for millions of visitors who converge in Mecca every year. In 2024, the Hajj pilgrimage drew approximately 1.8 million participants from around the globe, underscoring the need for effective regulation and safety measures.
To discourage illegal entry and unauthorized participation, the Ministry has introduced a robust penalty framework. Any individual found attempting to perform Hajj without a proper permit will be fined up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to just over £4,000. The same fine applies to those entering Mecca during the restricted period—from the 1st to the 14th of Dhul Qidah (April 29 to May 16)—while holding any type of non-Hajj visa. Authorities warn that these penalties are non-negotiable and will be enforced uniformly, regardless of nationality or visa category.
In addition to individual fines, the Ministry has extended its crackdown to include those who facilitate unauthorized Hajj attempts. Anyone who arranges or issues visit visas for individuals attempting to perform Hajj, transports unauthorized pilgrims, shelters them, or conceals their activities will face fines of up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals—more than £20,000 in UK currency. These penalties will increase proportionally based on the number of violators involved. The government emphasized that repeat offenders or organized networks aiding unauthorized pilgrims will be subject to cumulative fines and severe legal consequences.
The consequences for unauthorized pilgrimage do not end with financial penalties. Offenders will be deported immediately and banned from entering Saudi Arabia for a period of ten years. The Ministry made it clear that this punishment applies not only to those attempting to perform Hajj illegally but also to those found in restricted areas such as Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the Holy Sites during the enforcement window without the appropriate documentation. This measure is part of a broader strategy to deter rule-breakers and maintain order during one of the most spiritually and logistically complex gatherings in the world.
In an effort to dismantle the support systems that enable unauthorized access, authorities will also seize any land vehicles used to transport unpermitted pilgrims to Mecca or other sacred sites. Whether it’s a private car, commercial van, or rental vehicle, transport used in violation of Hajj regulations will be impounded by law enforcement. This action underscores the Ministry’s zero-tolerance stance and highlights the importance of cooperation from all sectors—transportation, hospitality, and visa services—to ensure compliance.
Alongside legal enforcement, the Ministry is ramping up public awareness efforts to prevent people from falling victim to fraudulent Hajj packages. Officials have urged worshippers to avoid unofficial deals and to verify all arrangements through government-approved channels. The Ministry has also encouraged the public to report unlicensed promoters or suspicious advertisements through designated reporting platforms. Authorities are especially concerned about online scams and social media ads that falsely promise Hajj access without official permits. In recent years, these scams have increased during the months leading up to Dhul Hijjah, exploiting pilgrims’ desperation and lack of awareness.
Ultimately, the Kingdom’s intensified oversight reflects its broader mission: to preserve the sanctity, safety, and integrity of the Hajj pilgrimage. With millions of people gathering in one of the world’s most sacred locations, meticulous organization and regulation are essential. By enforcing permit requirements, penalizing unauthorized activity, and raising public awareness, Saudi Arabia aims to offer a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience to all legitimate worshippers while deterring rule-breakers who could jeopardize the event’s success.
As the global Muslim community prepares for Eid ul Adha and Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia’s message is clear—compliance with official rules is not optional. Only through cooperation and adherence can the pilgrimage be conducted safely and in accordance with Islamic principles.