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 opens early visa applications for Hajj 2026 MSN
Your safety & well-being remain our top priority: Faishal Ibrahim to join 900 S'poreans on 2026 Haj pilgrimage Mothership
Pakistani pilgrims start arriving in Makkah from Madinah as part of Hajj journey Arab News
34,941 Bangladeshi pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)
33,318 Bangladeshi pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia Daily Bonik Barta
Saudi Arabia Imposes Fine Up to 100,000 Riyal for Misuse of Visit Visa and Unauthorized Hajj Performance Arab Times Kuwait News