Saudi Arabia receives 891,000 pilgrims for Hajj as authorities warn against visit visa violations

Saudi Gazette

24-05-2025

Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — The number of international pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 1446H has reached 890,883 as of the end of Friday, according to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat).
The total reflects ongoing momentum as pilgrims continue to enter the Kingdom through airports, land crossings, and seaports in preparation for the annual pilgrimage.
Jawazat reported that 846,415 pilgrims have arrived via international airports, 41,646 through land border crossings, and 2,822 via seaports.
The directorate reaffirmed that all necessary resources have been mobilized to facilitate the entry process, including advanced technical systems and multilingual staff at all major ports of entry.
Among Friday's arrivals was the first Hajj flight from the United Kingdom, which landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah with 142 pilgrims on board.
The British Consul General in Jeddah, Cecille El-Bilidy, welcomed the group, along with officials from Jeddah Airports Company and various government and operational agencies.
Jeddah Airports Company confirmed its full operational readiness for Hajj 1446, highlighting preparations across three major terminals: Terminal 1, the Northern Terminal, and the dedicated Hajj and Umrah Complex.
Facilities include 558 immigration counters, 407 baggage check-in stations, 100 passenger boarding bridges, 81 customs inspection devices, 67 luggage belts, and 259 bus parking bays — part of a comprehensive plan to facilitate the arrival experience.
As the number of pilgrims grows, the Ministry of Interior has issued a renewed warning to individuals attempting to perform Hajj without proper authorization.
The ministry clarified that all types of visit visas — including those for tourism, business, and family visits — do not entitle holders to perform Hajj.
Only officially issued Hajj visas permit entry into the holy sites during the season.
The ministry emphasized that any individual on a visit visa who enters or remains in Makkah or the holy sites between Dhu Al-Qi'dah 1 and Dhu Al-Hijjah 14 will be subject to a fine of up to SR20,000. Offenders will also face deportation and a 10-year ban from re-entering the Kingdom.
Authorities urged all citizens, residents, and visitors to adhere strictly to Hajj regulations, which are designed to ensure the safety and security of all pilgrims.
The ministry also encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia continues to scale up its operations to receive pilgrims from around the world.