Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 May 2026, 8:27 PM (Saudi time)
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.
Saudia has launched Hajj 2026 operations with 160 aircraft and over one million seats spanning 145 global destinations, as part of Saudi Arabia's total air transport plan of 3.1 million seats across 12,000 flights.
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.
Radda: Katsina governor inaugurates committee on Hajj 2026 Blueprint Newspapers
Umrah visa deadline announced: Saudi ministry sets key dates for pilgrims Gulf Business
Passports Directorate starts issuing Makkah entry e-permits for Hajj 2026 MSN
RI Hajj Ministry to Intensify Public Outreach on Non-Issuance of 2026 Furoda Visas RRI.co.id
Governor Radda inaugurates 2026 Hajj Committee, charges members on integrity Apex News Exclusive
Saudi Arabia launches e-permits for Mecca entry ahead of Hajj 2026 Gulf News