Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026, 11:04 AM (Saudi time)
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.
2027 Hajj: Lagos seeks additional slots for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia Blueprint Newspapers
2027 Hajj: Lagos demands more slots Daily Post Nigeria
Gateway Air ready to airlift hajj pilgrims — Abiodun Daily Post Nigeria
Saudi Arabia ready to host Hajj with 1.5m pilgrims expected Arab News
Wadi Al-Usaylah's Ancient Inscriptions, Historic Wells Trace Early Hajj Routes Near Makkah spa.gov.sa
Hajj registration ends 24 Sept; Bangladesh has 78,500 pilgrim quota for 2027 Prothom Alo English