Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 15 Jun 2026, 12:26 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia has made the Nusuk smart card mandatory for all Hajj 2026 pilgrims, combining personal, medical, and accommodation data. The Nusuk app has surpassed 51 million users with over 130 digital services.
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.
Health Minister Visits SFDA’s Hajj Operations Center in Makkah to Review Service Readiness وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Municipalities Minister Inspects Readiness of Holy Makkah Municipality, Holy Sites for Hajj Season وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Saudi Arabia Joins United States, Iran, Israel, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Major Gulf States as Bold Worshippers Challenge Conflict Zones, Navigate Rising Tensions, and Embark on Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Sacred Hajj Tourism Pilgrimage Experience Travel And Tour World
2026 Hajj: Nigerian pilgrims move to Makkah ahead Arafat day Tribune Online
Photos: Millions of Muslims Gather in Mecca for Annual Hajj Pilgrimage ABNA English
Licensable picture: Pilgrims perform umrah around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque ahead of the start of hajj in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia reutersconnect.com