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.
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj metro system to transport over two million pilgrims in 1447 AH season Gulf Business
Hajj 2026: Saudi Arabia’s metro system to transport over two million pilgrims Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia’s Hajj metro system to transport over two million pilgrims in 1447 AH season Gulf Business
Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns PBS
Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns New Castle News