Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 May 2026, 1:02 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.
Saudi Arabia Shuts Makkah to Unregulated Access: New Permit System Transforms Pilgrimage and Tourism Experience Amid Global Uncertainty and Rising Demand Travel And Tour World
Saudi Arabia sets April 18 deadline for Umrah pilgrims to leave Aaj English TV
Mecca entry restricted: Saudi Arabia bans expatriates without permit from April 13 Gulf News
Saudi Arabia temporarily halts issuing Umrah visas, restricts entry to Makkah ahead of Hajj 2026 Khaleej Times
Expatriates without permit barred from entering Makkah for Hajj season en.bd-pratidin.com
Saudi Arabia launches electronic Makkah entry permits for 1447 AH Hajj The Malaysian Reserve