Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 13 Sep 2026, 11:08 AM (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 Imposes Strict New Accommodation Standards for Hajj 2027 Nomad Lawyer
Mecca Joint Defence Agreement: Between the Pilgrimage and the Pact Geopolitical Monitor
Saudi Arabia Launches Registration for Domestic Hajj Pilgrims for 2026 The CSR Journal
Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Rules for Pilgrims 2026 IndianEagle
Saudi Arabia clarifies rules for one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa ET TravelWorld
Multiple-entry Umrah visa: What pilgrims must do before each Saudi visit Gulf Business