Hajj & Umrah Visa Overstays to Be Punished With SAR 100,000 Fine
Service providers will be fined if they fail to report pilgrims who remain in the Kingdom after their visas expire.
The Ministry of Interior has announced that service providers will face a fine of SAR 100,000 for each pilgrim who overstays their Hajj or Umrah visa, as part of a broader effort to regulate pilgrimage movement and enforce visa compliance during the 2025 Hajj season.
The fine will apply per individual case, meaning providers responsible for multiple violations could face significantly higher penalties. The ministry has urged all licensed service providers to report any overstays promptly, and to ensure pilgrims under their sponsorship depart the Kingdom within the approved timeframe.
In a related measure to manage pilgrimage traffic, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. The suspension will remain in effect until mid-June, after the completion of the Hajj season. April 13th has been set as the final date to issue Umrah visas before the freeze begins.
Authorities have stated that these measures are designed to reduce overcrowding, enhance the safety of pilgrims, and maintain the integrity of the visa system.
