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.
New Umrah Visa Rules Require Verified Hotel Bookings for 2025 Season cairoscene.com
Saudi Arabia Resumes Umrah Visas, Invites Pilgrims For Year-Round Travel Outlook Traveller
Bound for Mecca, These Pilgrims Rode From Spain on Horses — and on Instagram The New York Times
Madinah Authorities Successfully Transport Pilgrims to Holy Sites for Hajj وكالة الأنباء السعودية
Madinah governor reviews Hajj security readiness at Prophet’s Mosque Arab News
Hajj 2025: Over 1.6m Conclude Pilgrimage In Saudi Arabia Channels Television