Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 May 2026, 1:02 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.
Saudi Arabia warns of 10-year jail, SR10 million fines for unlicensed food activity during Hajj Gulf News
Interior Ministry Says SAR20,000 Fine for Unauthorized Access to Makkah during Hajj وكالة الأنباء السعودية
The send-off ceremony for the 2023 Hajj Pilgrimage Implementation Team in Makkah ANTARA Foto
Nine Health Tips for Elderly and Chronically Ill Hajj Pilgrims Tempo.co English
Saudi Arabia imposes $2.7m fines, 10-year jail risk for Hajj food violations: SFDA Arabian Business
Hajj 2026 begins: 431 Kashmiri pilgrims leave for Saudi Arabia; 4,706 to embark this year MSN