Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 9 May 2026, 1:17 PM (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.
Makkah Police Arrest Resident for Fraudulent Hajj Ads وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Saudi Arabia Tightens Makkah Entry Rules Ahead of Hajj 2026 Nomad Lawyer
Saudi Arabia sets SR100,000 fines for illegal Hajj pilgrims Gulf News
Saudi Arabia Tightens Makkah Entry Rules Ahead of Hajj 2026 Nomad Lawyer
Saudi Arabia Tightens Makkah Access, Umrah Visas Ahead of Hajj 2026 thetraveler.org
Saudi Arabia Tightens Makkah Entry Rules Ahead of Hajj 2026 thetraveler.org