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.
One citizens and two residents arrested for violating Hajj regulations Saudi Gazette
Lagos to begin airlifting 1,600 pilgrims for 2026 Hajj on May 7 Daily Post Nigeria
SFDA finalizes comprehensive operational plan to ensure hassle-free Hajj Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia rolls out mobile passport counters for Hajj pilgrims The Filipino Times
Hajj 2026: First group of Algerian pilgrims arrives in Medina aps.dz
VP Gibran ensures smooth hajj pilgrim departure from Surabaya ANTARA News