Umrah Pilgrims Could Face 50,000 Riyals Fine for Staying Beyond Visa Validity
- Overstayers face a fine of up to SR50,000, up to six months in prison, and deportation
- The rule covers any expired entry visa, including Umrah visas, not just visit visas
- Violations can be reported by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in all other regions
The Ministry of Interior has warned expatriates that staying in the Kingdom after their entry visa expires carries serious penalties. This applies to Umrah pilgrims too, since the rule covers overstaying any expired visa, not just visit visas in general.
What the Penalty Covers
Anyone who fails to leave Saudi Arabia once their entry visa runs out can face a fine of up to SR50,000, a prison term of up to six months, and deportation once that term ends.
How to Report a Violation
The ministry has asked the public to help enforce residency, labor and border security rules. People can report violations by calling 911 if they are in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh or the Eastern Province. In all other regions of the Kingdom, the number to call is 999.
