SAR 100,000 Fine for Unauthorized Transport to Makkah, Holy Sites: Saudi TGA
The Saudi Transport General Authority (TGA) has announced strict measures for transporting pilgrims to Makkah and the Holy Sites, taking effect from Dhu al-Qi'dah 1, 1446 AH (April 29, 2025), reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Under the new measures, all transport operators across the Kingdom, particularly in Makkah, shall not transport any passenger to Makkah or the Holy Sites without a Hajj permit or an entry permit for work or residence in the Holy City.
The rules remain effective until Dhul-Hijjah 14, 1446 AH (June 10, 2025). Violators who transport, or attempt to transport, visit visa holders to Makkah or the Holy Sites during this period will face penalties and a fine of up to SAR 100,000.
Penalties include confiscating any land transport vehicle used in transporting individuals with any type of visit visa to Makkah and the Holy Sites, subject to a ruling by the relevant court. This applies whether the vehicle is owned by the transporter, a contributor, or an accomplice.
This move aligns with the national efforts and measures recently announced by the Saudi Interior Ministry to regulate the movement of the crowds and maintain the safety and security of pilgrims during Hajj 2025.
Moreover, the TGA stressed to all licensed transporters the necessity of fulfilling regulatory requirements, including obtaining licenses and operating permits for vehicles and drivers, adhering to designated routes, not entering areas subject to Hajj regulations without prior permit, and fully cooperating with security and regulatory authorities at checkpoints.
The TGA also emphasized that these measures are part of its operational plan for Hajj season 2025, aimed at enhancing the levels of compliance and safety and ensuring the smooth flow of authorized pilgrims.
Short link :
Post Views: 16
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Asharq Al-Awsat
44 minutes ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Makkah Markets Open their Doors as Pilgrims Prepare to Depart
As pilgrims near the completion of their Hajj rituals, many have begun spending their remaining time visiting Makkah's renowned markets. Major shopping centers and popular marketplaces are preparing to receive large crowds of pilgrims from around the world. With their departure approaching, many are eager to buy gifts and keepsakes for their families and friends, items that serve as tangible memories of their time in the holy city. Asharq Al-Awsat took a tour through the markets of the Al-Aziziyah neighborhood, a central area situated between the holy sites and the Grand Mosque. Its prime location makes it a preferred hub for Hajj groups and delegations, which has resulted in crowded markets and bustling currency exchange offices. Ahmed Al-Jaafari, a shopkeeper in one of Al-Aziziyah's stores, welcomed his customers with warmth and hospitality. He shared that the most sought-after souvenirs include prayer beads (subha), prayer rugs, miniature models of holy landmarks, decorative engravings, gold jewelry, rings, dates, Qurans with translations, and locally made perfumes. Hajj Muwafaq Mohammed, dressed in traditional attire from southern Baghdad, told Asharq Al-Awsat that he made a point of visiting the markets early to buy useful items and meaningful keepsakes. 'I've traveled to many countries and always explore local markets,' he said, 'but in Makkah, I'm especially captivated by each item and souvenir, as they carry the scent and soul of this sacred place.' At a currency exchange center on Al-Aziziyah Street, lined with hotels accommodating pilgrims from across the globe, long queues formed as visitors in colorful traditional clothing exchanged their foreign currencies for Saudi riyals. The scene reflected the cultural diversity of the global Muslim community and the excitement of those preparing for a final shopping experience before departing. Currency exchange offices throughout Makkah are seeing a steady stream of visitors, many coming from nearby hotels and accommodations. Ayman Al-Mohammedi, an employee at one of the Al-Aziziyah exchange centers, explained that they are equipped to handle over 60 foreign currencies. 'Pilgrims arrive with money from their home countries and look to exchange it for Saudi riyals,' he said. 'The Hajj season significantly boosts activity in the currency exchange sector.' He added that Makkah's currency exchange centers increased their preparedness well in advance of the Hajj season, enhancing their capacity to provide efficient services for buying, selling, and trading foreign currencies across the city.
Saudi Gazette
12 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Madinah completes preparations to receive pilgrims via bus and train after Hajj
Saudi Gazette Report MADINAH — Government authorities in Madinah have finalized their preparations to receive the influx of pilgrims visiting the Prophet's Mosque following the completion of their Hajj rituals. The coordinated efforts reflect Madinah's commitment to ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching post-Hajj experience for the pilgrims. Under the direct supervision of Emir of Madinah Region and Chairman of the Hajj and Visitation Committee Prince Salman bin Sultan, relevant agencies are executing comprehensive operational plans tailored to the post-Hajj season. The first groups of returning pilgrims are set to arrive Sunday evening, Dhul Hijjah 12, via bus and the Haramain High-Speed Train. Authorities are actively monitoring field operations to ensure smooth traffic on key routes, including the Hijrah Expressway, and have implemented precautionary measures to maintain high levels of security and traffic fluidity along the Qassim and Tabuk roads leading into Madinah. The General Authority for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque has launched an integrated plan to prepare the mosque and its facilities to receive pilgrims in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. A total of 141 mosque doors will be opened to accommodate male and female pilgrims, with 100 designated pathways staffed by spatial guidance teams to organize movement within the mosque complex. Special arrangements have been made to manage access to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif, with entry regulated through pre-booked appointments on official applications, ensuring adherence to crowd capacity and providing a smooth experience. Informational digital screens guide visitors through designated entry points, and Zamzam water bottles are distributed to enhance their spiritual visit. These efforts aim to facilitate voluntary prayers in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharif and allow the largest possible number of pilgrims to offer greetings to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and to his two companions.
Saudi Gazette
12 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Prophet's Mosque hosts over 12 million worshippers in 2 weeks
Saudi Gazette Report MADINAH — The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque provided a comprehensive package of services to pilgrims during the pre-Hajj period, reflecting its continuous care for worshippers and visitors and its commitment to facilitating their worship in a safe and organized environment. According to recently released statistics, 12,914,153 worshippers visited the Prophet's Mosque between Dhul Qada 15 and Dhul Hijjah 1, with the Holy Rawdah receiving 666,580 visitors during the same timeframe. Beyond facilitating prayer, the authority extended a wide array of services to pilgrims. These included providing transportation services in the courtyards to 161,802 beneficiaries, distributing 301,802 Iftar meals to those fasting, and supplying 218,336 bottles of Zamzam water, with total Zamzam consumption reaching 3,360 tons. Environmental care and cleanliness were also paramount. Teams removed 312 tons of waste and used 41,675 liters of disinfectants and sterilizers throughout the mosque, with an additional 10,950 liters allocated for other facilities. To further enhance the spiritual ambiance, the mosque was perfumed with seven kilograms of incense and 39 liters of luxurious perfumes and oils. These extensive efforts reflect the profound care provided by the wise leadership to the Prophet's Mosque and are a key part of the approved operational plans for the Hajj season, aimed at delivering the finest services to pilgrims and ensuring their comfort and peace of mind during their visit.
