CAIRO, Aril 23 (MENA) - The Foreign Ministry urged citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia to strictly comply with all entry regulations and visa requirements, especially during the 2025 Hajj season, to avoid any legal repercussions.

The ministry's warning comes in light of directives of the foreign minister to the ministry's consular sector and Egyptian Consulate in Jeddah to raise readiness levels for this year’s Hajj season.

The Egyptian consulate is closely monitoring updates from Saudi authorities regarding the entry and residence of Egyptian nationals, particularly in the holy city of Mecca, during the hajj season.

According to a statement by the assistant foreign minister for consular affairs and Egyptians abroad, Saudi authorities have issued directives banning all individuals from entering Mecca, including residents of the Kingdom. The ban will be effective as of April 23 till June 11, 2025.

Three categories will be exempted from the ban; individuals carrying official Hajj permits, residents whose residence permits are issued in Mecca, and workers in Mecca with a valid permit.

For Umrah visa holders, entry into Saudi Arabia from any port has been suspended since April 13. Those who entered prior to that date must leave Mecca and the kingdom by April 29.

Holders of valid family visit visas may still enter the Kingdom but are prohibited from entering Mecca during the restricted period.

Tourist visa holders—such as those granted at Saudi ports to individuals with Schengen or U.S. visas—are not banned from entering Saudi Arabia, but are also not allowed into Mecca during the ban period. Attempting to enter Mecca during this period could result in deportation and legal action.

Transit visa holders, typically issued via Saudi carriers such as Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal, may enter the Kingdom through any port except Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, provided they adhere to the visa’s 96-hour validity and continue to their third-country destination.

He noted that Saudi authorities have introduced stiff penalties for Umrah visa holders who overstay. Violators face a fine of 50,000 Saudi riyals and up to six months’ imprisonment and deportation.

Travel agencies responsible for these individuals may also be fined SAR 100,000 per violator if they fail to report the overstay. (MENA)
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