Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 17 Sep 2026, 10:12 AM (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.
Saudi Arabia launches one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia’s New Umrah Visa Lets Pilgrims Visit Multiple Times In A Year Travel and Leisure Asia
Hajj 2026: Nine states complete return airlift Premium Times Nigeria
Pilgrims visit Grand Mosque ahead of annual hajj pilgrimage, in Mecca Reuters
As Iran war persists, some US Muslims consider risks of Mecca pilgrimage Religion News Service
3 Indonesians arrested in Makkah for promoting fake Hajj services Saudi Gazette