Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 10 May 2026, 1:12 AM (Saudi time)
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’s Crackdown on Hajj 2026: Severe Penalties, Massive Fines, Deportations, and 10-Year Bans Await Pilgrims Who Violate New Entry Rules for Mecca Travel And Tour World
47,054 Bangladeshi pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia for Hajj Somoy News
Hajj 2026: First batch of Ghanaian pilgrims arrive safely in Mecca GhanaWeb
Hajj 2026: Pakistan’s Pre-Hajj Operation in Full Swing; 34% of Pilgrims Reach Saudi Arabia | Associated Press Of Pakistan
Hajj 2026: Saudi approves 73 companies for pilgrim services overhaul Gulf Business
Hajj 2026: Saudi approves 73 companies for pilgrim services overhaul Gulf Business