Saudi Authorities Arrest Facilitators Allowing Entry to Mecca Without Permits

Saudi Hajj Security Authorities, on Wednesday (22/4/2026), arrested a Saudi national and an Egyptian resident for facilitating foreigners without Hajj permits into Mecca. The Saudi national was arrested for facilitating three residents lacking Hajj permits to Mecca. The Egyptian resident was arrested for transporting a visit visa holder who violated Hajj regulations and attempting to facilitate entry into Mecca. The six arrested individuals have been referred to the relevant authorities for sanctions in accordance with regulations. Previously, the Ministry of Interior warned that a maximum fine of 100,000 riyals would be imposed on anyone transporting holders of any type of visit visa to Mecca and holy sites during the period from 1 Dzulqa’dah (19 April) to 14 Dzulhijjah (31 May). A maximum fine of 20,000 riyals will be imposed on individuals caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit. The same sanctions will be imposed on holders of various types of visit visas who enter, attempt to enter, or stay in the city of Mecca and holy sites during the period from 19 April to 31 May.