Indian in Saudi Arabia· Editorial Team · hajj-umrah · 4 min read
Hajj and Umrah Overstay Fines: What Every Pilgrim and Sponsor Must Know
Saudi Public Security warns that Hajj/Umrah service providers face fines up to 100,000 SAR for failing to report overstaying pilgrims. Here are the official rules and penalties.
Saudi Public Security has issued a clear warning: Hajj and Umrah service providers that fail to report pilgrims who overstay after their permit expires face fines up to SAR 100,000, multiplied by the number of overstayers. This is not a new rule: the Ministry of Interior announced it in April 2025, and Public Security repeated it in July 2026.
Source: @security_gov (Public Security) — Tweet, 16K views
The rules — clearly stated
For pilgrims and visitors
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Overstaying your visa (any expatriate) | Fine up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, and deportation |
| Performing or attempting Hajj without a permit | Fine up to SAR 20,000 |
| Visit-visa holder (any type) entering or staying in Makkah or the Holy Sites from 1 Dhul Qadah to 14 Dhul Hijjah | Fine up to SAR 20,000 |
| Residents and overstayers caught trying to perform Hajj without a permit | Deportation and a ban on re-entering the Kingdom for 10 years (in addition to the fine) |
Sources: Ministry of Interior via SPA — overstay penalties (April 2026), Hajj permit penalties for 1447 AH (April 2026), 10-year ban for residents and overstayers (May 2025)
For service providers who fail to report
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Delaying the report of pilgrims or Umrah performers who overstay | Up to SAR 100,000, multiplied by the number of overstayers |
| Applying for a visit visa for someone who performs Hajj without a permit or enters/stays in Makkah in the restricted period | Up to SAR 100,000 per person |
| Transporting visit-visa holders to Makkah or the Holy Sites in the restricted period | Up to SAR 100,000 per person (the vehicle can also be confiscated by court order) |
| Sheltering or hiding visit-visa holders in Makkah or the Holy Sites in the restricted period | Up to SAR 100,000 per person |
Sources: Ministry of Interior via SPA — reporting overstays (April 2025), transport fines (May 2026), sheltering fines (May 2026); Saudi Gazette — Public Security reminder (July 2026)
What this means for you
If you are a pilgrim
- Do not overstay your Umrah or Hajj permit — the penalties are severe
- Leave before your permit expires — there is no grace period
- If you have overstayed, contact Jawazat or your Umrah company straight away rather than waiting; overstayers face fines, possible jail and deportation
- If you cannot leave on time, contact your agent or the Indian Embassy for guidance
If you are a sponsor or agent
- Track your pilgrims — ensure they depart before their permit expires
- Report overstays immediately to avoid the SAR 100,000 fine
- Do not issue visit visas for the purpose of Hajj during the restricted period
- Do not transport unauthorized pilgrims to Makkah or the Holy Sites
Key dates to remember
- Umrah season 1448 AH: Umrah visas issued from 31 May 2026; last visa issuance 9 March 2027 (1 Shawwal); last entry 23 March 2027 (15 Shawwal); final departure 7 April 2027 (30 Shawwal) (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah)
- Hajj period: Umrah visa holders must have left by the end of Shawwal, and visit-visa holders may not enter or stay in Makkah from 1 Dhul Qadah to 14 Dhul Hijjah
- Entry deadline: A single-entry Umrah visa must be used within 30 days of issuance (rule in force since November 2025)
- Stay limit: Up to 90 days after entry
Related guides
- Umrah Visa Multiple Entry Explained
- Hajj 2027 Preparations — Indian Embassy
- Hajj & Umrah — Complete Guide
- Exit Re-Entry Visa Timing Rules
References
- @security_gov — Hajj/Umrah overstay enforcement — Twitter (July 2026)
- SPA — MOI: fine up to SAR 50,000, up to six months’ imprisonment and deportation for visa overstayers — spa.gov.sa
- SPA — MOI penalties for Hajj permit violations and facilitators (April 2026) — spa.gov.sa
- SPA — MOI: up to SAR 100,000 fine for Hajj and Umrah firms failing to report overstays (April 2025) — spa.gov.sa
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Umrah season calendar 1448 AH — haj.gov.sa
- Middle East Briefing — middleeastbriefing.com
Disclaimer: Fines and penalties may change. Always verify with Jawazat or the Ministry of Hajj before traveling.
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- hajj
- umrah
- overstay
- fine
- penalty
- jawazat
