Saudi Arabia: SR50,000 Fine, Jail & Deportation for Visa Overstays
These strict penalties are part of broader efforts to maintain order throughout the Hajj pilgrimage season.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior
Has once again emphasized its strict penalties for expatriates who overstay their entry visas, as the Kingdom steps up efforts to manage visitor inflow before the upcoming Hajj season.
According to current rules, overstaying an entry visa can lead to hefty consequences, including fines reaching SR50,000, up to six months in jail, and deportation following the completion of the sentence.
The ministry reaffirmed that visit visa holders are not permitted to participate in Hajj, urging all visitors and expatriates to adhere strictly to their visa conditions and leave the country on time to avoid facing legal action.
This latest advisory follows Saudi Arabia’s recent rollout of several initiatives aimed at improving the organization of the Hajj season while ensuring safety and order during the globally significant religious event.
Key recent measures include:
Permit requirement for Mecca access: Starting April 23, 2025, entry into Mecca will require an official permit. Only individuals with valid work permits for the holy sites, documented residency in Mecca, or authorized Hajj permits will be allowed entry.
Umrah visa restrictions: April 13, 2025, was the last day for Umrah visa holders to enter Saudi Arabia. All pilgrims on Umrah visas must leave the Kingdom by April 29, 2025, to avoid penalties.
Fines for service providers: Companies involved in Hajj and Umrah services that fail to report pilgrims who overstay their visas may be fined up to SR100,000. The total fine can increase based on the number of violations.
Officials have stressed that these steps are part of a broader national plan to manage visitor numbers, ensure public safety, and maintain the spiritual integrity of the holy sites during the Hajj season.
The ministry also urged citizens and residents to report any violations or suspicious behavior by dialing 911 in Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom.
