First International Pilgrims Land in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026
First Hajj 2026 pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on April 18 from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Malaysia, with 3.1 million seats allocated across 12,000+ flights.
Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 4 Jul 2026, 8:08 PM (Saudi time)
First Hajj 2026 pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia on April 18 from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Malaysia, with 3.1 million seats allocated across 12,000+ flights.
Saudi Arabia confirms Hajj 2026 will proceed as scheduled despite a fragile US-Iran ceasefire expiring as the first pilgrims arrive. Makkah and Madinah remain protected by advanced defence systems.
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.
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: Implementation of environmental control and treatment works in more than 46,000 locations in Makkah and the Holy Sites during the Hajj season وزارة البلديات والإسكان
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announces the completion of the readiness of the municipal system in Makkah and the Holy Sites for the Hajj season of 1447 AH. وزارة البلديات والإسكان
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: More than 60 tunnels prepared and more than 330,000 lighting units operated in Makkah and the holy sites for Hajj 1447 AH وزارة البلديات والإسكان
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing: Receiving nearly 30,000 reports and carrying out 4,500 operational tours daily in Makkah and the holy sites during Hajj 1447 AH وزارة البلديات والإسكان
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