Saudi Arabia Issues Warning on Hajj 2025 Scams, Imposes Heavy Fines

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah specified that entry into Saudi territory to perform the Hajj is conditional on obtaining a "Hajj visa" issued by the competent Saudi authorities, in coordination with specialized offices in 80 countries. Interested pilgrims can make a direct booking on the "Nusuk Hajj" platform or on the ministry’s official website, the note indicates, stating that official information on the pilgrimage is available on these two channels.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also informed of the establishment of a service to receive requests and reports, available in multiple languages and 24/7. This, in order to facilitate the life of the pilgrims. In its note, the department reminds that the deadline for the entry of Umrah pilgrims into the Kingdom is set for Sunday, April 13, and their departure date for April 29, 2025. It called for strict compliance with these deadlines, under penalty of sanctions provided for by law. Offenders risk fines of up to 100,000 riyals ($27,000).