Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 May 2026, 5:08 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia requires all Hajj 2026 pilgrims to carry a valid quadrivalent ACYW meningitis vaccination certificate administered at least 10 days before arrival, with additional polio vaccine requirements for pilgrims from high-risk countries.
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.
2026 Hajj: Stakeholders urge states to act as rising aviation fuel costs threaten airlift The Nation Newspaper
Saudi officials begin planning for Hajj 2026 with high-level coordination meeting in Makkah MSN
Saudi officials begin planning for Hajj 2026 with high-level coordination meeting in Makkah MSN
Saudi makes Hajj permits mandatory, warns violators of strict action madhyamamonline.com
Prospective pilgrims urged to verify authenticity of Hajj permits before making travel arrangements to Makkah Saudi Gazette
Maximum fine of SR100,000 for facilitating visit visas to individuals entering Makkah without a Hajj permit Saudi Gazette