The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced a strict ban on the display of political or sectarian flags and chants during the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. The directive was issued in an advisory statement posted on the Ministry’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, titled “Instructions and Guidelines for Hajj 1446 AH.”
This advisory was released ahead of pilgrims’ journey from Madinah to Makkah to perform the sacred rites. It explicitly states, “Raising political or sectarian flags, and chanting are strictly prohibited within the holy sites.”
In addition, the Ministry imposed a penalty of 20,000 Riyals on individuals found performing Hajj rites without the required permit, or those attempting to enter or stay in Makkah beyond the allowed period of the pilgrimage.
A harsher fine of up to 100,000 Riyals and a ban of up to 10 years will be enforced against anyone who helps others apply for a visa without a permit or attempts to transport visa holders to Makkah or other holy sites illegally.
The regulations mandate that all pilgrims must present a valid Hajj permit to security personnel at entrances to the holy sites. Transporting unauthorized persons is a violation subject to punishment.
The advisory further clarifies:
A financial penalty of up to 20,000 Riyals applies to anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit.
Any person holding any visa type found entering, attempting to enter, or staying in Makkah or holy sites from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah until the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah will face penalties.
Individuals who assist in issuing visas for unauthorized Hajj pilgrims or help them enter or remain in Makkah will face fines up to 100,000 Riyals.
Illegal pilgrims residing in Saudi Arabia or overstaying their visas will be deported and banned from re-entry for 10 years.
A Nigerian pilgrim currently in Madinah, who requested anonymity, clarified misconceptions regarding the use of cameras and phones during Hajj. Contrary to earlier reports, no such ban exists; rather, officials advised pilgrims to avoid distractions that might detract from the spiritual focus of their pilgrimage.
Regarding the ban on sectarian or political flags, the pilgrim noted, “Pilgrims have traditionally used national colors as identifiers through scarves, caps, or small umbrellas. What is prohibited is using the sacred sites for protests or demonstrations. Violators risk fines or sanctions, which may also extend to their countries of origin.”
Attempts to reach Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, for comments were unsuccessful, as her phone was switched off.
