Saudi Arabia has announced a series of penalties for individuals performing Hajj without a permit, as well as for those facilitating the participation of visit visa holders in the pilgrimage illegally.

Quoting the interior ministry, Saudi Gazette said in a report that fines of up to SR100,000 will be imposed on anyone who assists visit visa holders by providing transport, shelter, or other forms of support that enable them to perform Hajj without authorisation.

The penalties will be enforced from 1 Zul Qada (April 18) until 14 Zul Hijjah.

According to the announcement, individuals found attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, including visit visa holders entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites during the restricted period, will face fines of up to SR20,000.

A fine of up to SR100,000 will also apply to those who apply for visit visas for individuals who subsequently attempt to perform Hajj without permits, with penalties increasing for each person involved.

The same SR100,000 fine will be imposed on those transporting or sheltering visit visa holders in Makkah or assisting them in any form, including accommodation in hotels, apartments, private residences, or Hajj facilities.

The penalty will be multiplied depending on the number of violators involved.

The ministry further stated that those who enter Makkah illegally to perform Hajj — whether residents or visa overstayers — will be deported and banned from re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years.

It added that courts may order confiscation of vehicles used to transport visit visa holders to restricted holy sites during the enforcement period, particularly if owned by offenders or their accomplices.

Authorities said individuals penalised under these rules may file a grievance within 30 days of notification and appeal decisions before the Administrative Court within 60 days.

The ministry urged citizens, residents, and visa holders to comply with Hajj regulations and warned against violations, adding that the public can report offenders by calling 911 in the Makkah region.