Before the Hajj season each year, Saudi Arabia tightens surveillance and launches awareness and inspection campaigns. This year, the Ministry of Interior launched the campaign “No Hajj without a permit” which actually started on April 13, 2026, and aims to prevent violators from performing Hajj without official permission.
Fines — High and reaching imprisonment
The campaign this year is clear and firm. Anyone who enters Mecca without a Hajj permit will be fined up to 10,000 riyals. Those who transport violators in their car or any means will be fined up to 50,000 riyals and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment; if they are expatriates, they will be deported after the penalty.
The most severe — any person who shelters violators or covers them or helps them stay in Mecca and the holy sites will be fined up to 100,000 riyals!
Tourist visa holder? Do not approach Mecca
The ministry clearly states: all types of visit visas are not valid for Hajj. Anyone holding a visit visa who enters or attempts to enter Mecca will be fined 20,000 riyals.
The Ministry of Interior conducts intensive campaigns through media and social networks, and sends text messages to citizens and residents for awareness. There are strict checkpoints at all entrances to Mecca.
Health services — more than 121,000 services
Positively, the Ministry of Health announced that it provided more than 121,626 health services to pilgrims from the start of the season. Official spokesperson Faisal Al-Khair said that the health system is operating with high efficiency.
Also, vaccination against meningitis is mandatory for Hajj workers, and the vaccine is valid for 5 years. The Ministry of Health encourages workers to take seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Ministry of Human Resources Plan
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development prepared an operational plan for the season focusing on field readiness, technology use, and improving the efficiency of national staff. Through the “Ajar” platform, applications for seasonal labor employment have been received to link job seekers with establishments serving pilgrims.
Additionally, voluntary initiatives were launched such as the “Anwar” initiative to provide guidance and support to pilgrims, especially the elderly and people with disabilities. Child care centers in Mecca and Medina have prepared themselves to receive children of pilgrims and workers.
Saudi Arabia is clear this year — Hajj for everyone, but only with official permission. Anyone thinking of entering without a permit, the penalties are not cheap at all.