Over 500,000 pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2024: But is visit visa enough to perform the pilgrimage?

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has announced that a total of 532,958 pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom by May 26 for Hajj 2024. This figure is believed to include pilgrims entering the Gulf state through all border crossings.

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims across the globe. The majority of pilgrims (523,729) arrived in Saudi Arabia by air, 9,210 through land borders and 19 by sea. The directorate has emphasised its commitment to facilitate a smooth process.

Tips for Dehydration and Fluid Loss in Hajj #Nusuk_Hajj

— Nusuk Hajj – نُسُـك حج (@Hajj_nusuk) May 26, 2024

Get a Saudi Hajj visa or a Hajj permit for Hajj 2024

It is important to stress here that the Government of Saudi Arabia has prohibited visit visa holders and tourists from performing Hajj and entering the holy place from May 23 to June 21. It is important to get a Saudi Hajj visa or a Hajj permit to perform the pilgrimage.

Visit visas of all types and names do not entitle their holder to perform the Hajj rituals, and anyone who wishes to perform Hajj must obtain a special permit for that.#No_Hajj_Without_Permit pic.twitter.com/jeqaqMsuSR

— وزارة الداخلية (@MOISaudiArabia) May 23, 2024

Visitors have been urged not to visit Makkah during the aforementioned period or stay there without a Hajj permit. “Temporary visas, such as student visas or schengen visas, are not accepted,” stated the Nusuk Hajj platform.

Severe penalties for people defying regulations

Earlier, pilgrims were also advised to carry their identification cards throughout the Hajj period. Defying the regulations is likely to result in severe and unwavering penalties. The penalty is a fine of 10,000 riyals against anyone caught not having a Hajj permit.

“The fine will double for repeat offenders, and resident violators face deportation and a ban from entering Saudi Arabia,” the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior informed in a post on X. Keep an eye out as we deliver more updates on the holy pilgrimage.

عقوبة مخالفة أنظمة وتعليمات الحج، غرامة بقيمة (10,000) ريال بحق كل من يضبط ولا يوجد لديه تصريح حج في المناطق الجغرافية المعلنة.#لا_حج_بلا_تصريح pic.twitter.com/odyHASapIg

— وزارة الداخلية (@MOISaudiArabia) May 22, 2024