Hajj Pilgrims Carrying Valuables Over SAR 60,000 Must Declare Items To Avoid Penalties
With millions of pilgrims arriving for the annual Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has advised pilgrims carrying cash or valuables worth more than SAR 60,000 (USD 16,000) must declare them upon entry or exit from the Kingdom, or risk facing legal penalties.
The directive, announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is part of ongoing efforts to enforce customs regulations and ensure transparency during one of the world's largest religious gatherings.
The ministry stressed that the rule applies not only to physical currency, but also to precious metals, gemstones, and gold bullion.
The Ministry noted that filing a proper customs declaration protects pilgrims' rights and demonstrates adherence to Saudi Arabia's financial and legal systems. Failure to comply could lead to delays, fines, or legal action.
'This guidance is part of our ongoing awareness campaign to help pilgrims enjoy a safe, smooth, and lawful Hajj journey,' the Ministry said.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Insider
2 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Visits To Mecca Landmark Curtailed Over Intense Heat
The visit hours to an Islamic landmark near the Saudi holy city of Mecca have been shortened for months due to extreme heat. The Hira Cultural Centre has cut by five hours daily visits to the Cave of Hira, about 5 kilometres from Mecca, starting from last Wednesday until the commencement of the Islamic lunar month of Rabia I, corresponding to next August. The centre said that the competent authorities had issued directives to temporarily close the road leading to Mount Hira daily from 11am to 4pm because of high temperatures. The Cave of Hira is where the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) received the first revelation of the Holy Quran through the angel Gabriel. The cave is a major draw to Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage or the Umrah (minor pilgrimage). The weather will be hot to extremely hot at the holy sites during the Hajj rites, the kingdom's meteorology office has forecast, amid diverse projects implemented by the kingdom to cool heat for the faithful. The Saudi National Centre of Meteorology expected that maximum temperatures at the holy sites in and around Mecca will range from 40 to 47 degrees Celsius, with an expected humidity level of 15% to 60%. Saudi Arabia has unveiled a string of projects in the run-up to this year's Hajj that starts later this week to beat the scorching temperatures and spare the pilgrims heat stress. The projects included expanding the use of cooled and rubberized roads designed to reduce the impact of heat.


Gulf Insider
2 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Livestock Prices Fall Sharply In Saudi Arabia Ahead Of Eid Al Adha
With Eid Al Adha fast approaching, livestock markets across Saudi Arabia are witnessing a significant decline in prices, following a government decision to exempt imported sacrificial animals from customs duties, a move that traders and consumers alike say has brought much-needed relief during the busy holiday season. Announced last month by the Council of Ministers, the customs exemption applies to imported livestock arriving before the Hajj season, and was aimed at boosting supply, stabilizing prices, and easing the financial burden on citizens preparing for the Eid sacrifice. The result was immediate and visible. Livestock markets, particularly in the northern regions of the Kingdom, are reporting high activity levels and a wide variety of available animals, both local and imported. Prices for Naemi sheep, a popular choice for sacrifice, now range between 750 and 2,100 riyals, with traders noting improved market balance compared to last year's surge in costs. Fawaz Al Ruba'a, a sheep trader in Rafha, said the government's move had a direct impact on making sacrificial animals more accessible. 'The customs exemption helped everyone, consumers, traders, and breeders,' he said in an interview with MBC's Fi Osboua (In the Week) program. 'Prices are now reasonable, and every person can afford to offer a sacrifice.' Abu Milad Al Shalaqi, another livestock merchant, said this year's prices start at around 1,300 riyals, significantly lower than last year. 'Customers are more selective now, looking closely at the health and condition of the animals,' he said. 'The prices are down, the past season was good, and the livestock are plentiful.' Local authorities and livestock market organizers are coordinating with veterinary and municipal services to ensure the smooth flow of trade and the health of animals as the demand rises. Observers expect prices to remain stable throughout the Eid season, citing a substantial supply that appears to meet consumer demand in most areas.


Daily Tribune
8 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) Implements Comprehensive Operational Plan Ahead of Peak Travel Season
As part of its ongoing commitment to operational excellence and enhancing customer service, Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), a leading aviation services provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the implementation of a comprehensive action plan in preparation for the upcoming peak travel season. The initiative comes in anticipation of increased passenger flow during the Hajj pilgrimage, Eid Al-Adha holidays, and the summer vacation period, spanning from June through August. The objective is to ensure seamless airport operations, improve overall efficiency, and provide a safe and comfortable travel experience at Bahrain International Airport. Enhanced Operational Capacity and Coordination BAS has introduced a series of advanced operational measures, including increased handling capacity, the deployment of additional staff at key operational points, and the activation of robust logistical support plans. The company has also optimized its baggage handling systems and passenger flow procedures. In a bid to ensure uninterrupted services, BAS has intensified coordination with government entities and airline partners, aimed at boosting service quality and accelerating decision-making processes throughout the travel season. Customer Service Excellence As part of its customer-centric approach, BAS has trained over 400 front-line employees under the 'Customer Service Excellence' program, held in collaboration with the EMiC Institute and led by aviation industry experts. The program focused on enhancing communication skills, time management, stress handling, and teamwork through a series of interactive internal workshops—empowering employees to perform efficiently in a dynamic work environment. Talent Development and Workforce Expansion In a drive to nurture talent and strengthen operational teams, BAS recruited over 60 new employees and onboarded more than 30 interns across key departments including Human Resources, IT, Ground Equipment Support, Training, and Finance. The new hires include 14 staff members for catering services and 50 for airside operations and passenger terminal services. To ensure seamless integration, BAS implemented a proactive recruitment strategy, allowing ample time for new staff training and team assimilation ahead of the travel rush. Airside Readiness and Ground Operations To enhance the efficiency of airside operations, BAS focused on improving employee communication skills and reviewed workforce deployment plans in line with aircraft and passenger movement intensity. A comprehensive assessment of ground support equipment readiness was conducted, alongside updated transport and shift schedules to ensure optimal resource allocation. Dedicated compliance, audit, and on-ground supervisory teams have been established to maintain high service levels and address any operational challenges in real-time. Leadership Remarks Commenting on the preparations, Mr. Nabeel Khalid Kanoo, Chairman of BAS, stated: 'We take great pride in the readiness and professionalism of our team as we approach a critical operational period. Peak seasons are a true test of our planning and responsiveness, and we have met the challenge through early coordination, strengthened teams, and high operational standards. These achievements reflect our staff's expertise and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a leading regional aviation hub.'