The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning against attempting to perform Hajj without a valid permit, emphasizing strict enforcement measures for the 2025 pilgrimage season. Anyone caught trying to undertake Hajj without official authorization will face severe consequences, including imprisonment followed by deportation, and a ban on re-entry for a specified period under Saudi law.
Starting April 23, 2025, entry into Makkah will be restricted exclusively to individuals holding a valid Hajj permit, residency officially registered in Makkah, or authorized workers within the holy sites. Those without the proper Hajj visa or permit will be denied entry and returned to their point of origin. From April 29, 2025, this rule will be rigorously enforced, with no exceptions for other visa holders or tourists.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Tourism have also mandated that no accommodation facilities in Makkah hotels, apartments, or guesthouses may host anyone lacking a valid Hajj permit from April 29 until the end of the Hajj season. Violations of these regulations will attract heavy fines, imprisonment, confiscation of vehicles used in illegal pilgrim transport, and public naming of offenders as deterrents.
These measures form part of a comprehensive effort by Saudi authorities to ensure the safety, security, and smooth operation of Hajj 2025, leveraging digital platforms like the “Tasreeh” system for permit issuance and verification. The Kingdom’s strict compliance protocols underscore the importance of following official channels to perform Hajj legally and safely.
