Henceforth, visitors to Saudi Arabia with more than 60,000 Saudi Riyals or $16,000 will have to declare such cash on arrival or be sanctioned.

A statement released yesterday by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said a new guideline released by the Saudi authorities stated that any visitor who fails to comply with the rule would be fined or penalized in any other way.

NAHCON urged intending Umrah and Hajj pilgrims to try and abide by the new financial and health regulations of Saudi Arabia.

The commission also advised all intending pilgrims to obtain polio vaccination six weeks before visiting Saudi Arabia, as they would be required to tender vaccination certificates on arrival at the holy land.