The Ministry of Interior has warned the public that transporting Umrah and Haj pilgrims or visitors to the Prophet's Mosque outside designated areas could result in a prison sentence of up to two years. The ministry said in a statement on Monday that persons providing transport to pilgrims other than between the cities of Makkah, Jeddah and Madina would be penalized by the Ministry of Interior with imprisonment of up to two years and fines of up to SR100,000. Penalties, the statement added, would be set according to the number of passengers, and vehicles used for the purpose may be confiscated, upon court ruling, regardless of ownership. The ministry added that all persons entering or departing the Kingdom via land or sea must do so through entry and exit points allocated by official border authorities, and pilgrims must stick rigorously to official routes to their destinations. Those who fail to adhere to the routes, and any persons transporting pilgrims on alternative routes, will be liable to between seven days' and 30 months' prison, and fines of between SR300 and 25,000.
