Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 6 May 2026, 6:38 PM (Saudi time)
The first international Hajj 2026 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Malaysia, with 3.1 million seats across 12,000 flights allocated for the season.
Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj 2026 pilgrims to carry a valid quadrivalent ACYW meningitis vaccination certificate administered at least 10 days before arrival, with additional polio vaccine requirements for pilgrims from high-risk countries.
Saudi Arabia restricted entry to Makkah from 13 April 2026 to Hajj permit holders only and suspended Umrah permits from 18 April to 31 May 2026 as the Kingdom prepares for the Hajj pilgrimage beginning around 25 May.
Saudi Arabia has imposed fines of up to SAR 100,000 for facilitating unauthorised Hajj and up to SAR 20,000 for pilgrims performing Hajj without a permit, alongside 10-year re-entry bans for violators.
Lagos to begin airlifting 1,600 pilgrims for 2026 Hajj on May 7 Daily Post Nigeria
SFDA finalizes comprehensive operational plan to ensure hassle-free Hajj Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia rolls out mobile passport counters for Hajj pilgrims The Filipino Times
Hajj 2026: First group of Algerian pilgrims arrives in Medina aps.dz
VP Gibran ensures smooth hajj pilgrim departure from Surabaya ANTARA News
Morocco Joins Russia, India, Türkiye, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, and More as Flynas Rolls Out Its Hajj 2026 Airlift, Opening New Doors for Pilgrims Across Asia, Africa, and Europe Travel And Tour World