Moroccan consulate warns citizens of Hajj Season visa violations in Saudi Arabia

The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Jeddah has issued a notice to Moroccan citizens regarding potential violations of entry and residency regulations in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season of 1446 AH (2025 AD). The consulate emphasized the importance of following the procedures outlined by Saudi authorities, which include several key dates.

Starting April 13, 2025, Umrah visa holders will be prohibited from entering the Kingdom. Those who enter before this date must leave Mecca and Saudi Arabia entirely by dawn on April 29, 2025.

Furthermore, holders of family visit visas will not be allowed to travel to Mecca from April 23 to June 11, 2025. Tourist visa holders will also be barred from entering Mecca during this period. Violators will face legal consequences, including immediate deportation. The entry ban on Mecca will be enforced from April 23, 2025, until June 11, 2025, and applies to all residents of the Kingdom, except those with official Hajj permits or approved work permits in Mecca.

The consulate further clarified that Saudi authorities will impose financial penalties on violators, with fines reaching up to 50,000 Saudi Riyals for individuals who fail to leave the Kingdom after their Umrah visa expires. Violators may also face up to six months in prison, followed by deportation. Tourism companies that fail to report violators will be fined up to 100,000 Saudi Riyals per case.

In conclusion, the consulate urged Moroccan citizens to fully comply with the outlined regulations to maintain their legal status in the Kingdom and avoid potential penalties.