Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 17 Jun 2026, 12:30 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.
Despite Middle East war, foreign pilgrims flock to Mecca for hajj France 24
Enhanced heat protection and medical services rolled out for Hajj pilgrims daily-sun.com
Pilgrims flock to Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage Gulf News
Pilgrims from the West flock to hajj despite Middle East war Free Malaysia Today
PAOG Dawah Team Holds Strategic Meeting Ahead of Main Hajj Pilgrimage Modern Ghana
‘It felt like a calling’: First-time pilgrims reflect on path to hajj Kuwait Times