With Hajj around the corner, here’s what you need to know about the latest visa rules.

As Hajj 2025 approaches, the Saudi authorities have rolled out new visa regulations—and the consequences for breaking them are serious. If you overstay your visa in the Kingdom, you could face a fine of up to SAR 50,000 (around USD 13,000), up to six months in prison, and deportation, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

The government is urging citizens and residents to make sure that any guests visiting on tourist or Umrah visas leave the country before their visas expire. Staying beyond the allowed period, even by a short time, can lead to hefty penalties.

This warning comes just after Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended the issuance of short-term visas for travelers from 14 countries, a measure taken to manage the surge of arrivals ahead of the Hajj season. Affected visa types include business visas (single and multiple-entry), e-tourist visas, and family visit visas.

The visa suspension began on Sunday, April 13, and applies to citizens of:
India, Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Nigeria, Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Libya.
Those from these countries who currently hold valid visas were required to exit by April 29.

Additionally, the Ministry of Interior clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that only those with an official Hajj visa are permitted to perform the pilgrimage. Other visa types do not grant access to Hajj.

Starting tomorrow, anyone residing in the Kingdom who wishes to enter Makkah must obtain a permit from the relevant authorities. Without it, access will be denied and travelers will be turned back.
There are exceptions—including residents who:

• Have a work permit specifically for the Holy Sites

• Hold a resident ID issued by Makkah

• Possess a valid Hajj permit

As the pilgrimage season nears, staying informed and following the rules is more important than ever. For official updates and information, keep an eye on announcements from the Saudi Ministry of Interior.