Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 15 Jun 2026, 12:26 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.
GASTAT Releases Official Hajj 2026 Statistics: 1,707,301 Pilgrims - News and Statistics IndexBox
Another Ghanaian pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia during Hajj Graphic Online
The sacred holiday coincides with Hajj, drawing over 1.7 million pilgrims seeking spiritual fulfilment in Saudi Arabia.
Defected Sudanese RSF commander Savannah performs Hajj in Mecca Middle East Eye
Saudi Arabia says 1.7 million pilgrims performed Hajj this year Middle East Monitor
Pilgrims ‘stone the devil’ at hajj gripped by intense heat Kuwait Times