Saudi Arabia warns of $13,300 overstay fine ahead of pilgrimage season

Saudi Arabia has warned that hefty fines will be imposed on foreign visitors who overstay their entry visa.

The Ministry of Interior announced today that visitors who fail to leave the country after their visa expires will face fines up to 50,000 SAR (USD 13,300), along with potential imprisonment for up to six months and deportation.

The ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to the country's regulations for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

In a reminder issued last Friday, the Ministry of Interior set a final deadline for all Umrah pilgrims to depart the country by April 29, 2025. After this date, the issuance of Umrah permits will also be suspended until June 10, 2025.

Additionally, entry and residence in Mecca will be restricted to those holding Hajj visas only, excluding all other visa types.

Earlier, the ministry implemented several preemptive measures for this year’s Hajj season to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, encouraging them to perform their religious duties securely and comfortably while adhering to regulations.

In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Hajj renewed its warning that attempting to perform the pilgrimage without a permit is a violation of regulations. It stressed the necessity of obtaining a permit through the "Nusk" platform, integrated with the "Tashrih" digital platform for issuing permits.