Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 21 Jun 2026, 6:51 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.
28 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have died so far daily-sun.com
Hajj 2026 begins in Saudi Arabia as millions of pilgrims gather in Mecca Gulf News
Saudi Umrah Visas Resume May 31 Indiplomacy
28 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have died so far daily-sun.com
Umrah 2026-2027: Saudi Arabia Resumes Visa Services, Announces Key Dates Travel and Leisure Asia
Muslims begin the annual Hajj in sweltering heat against a backdrop of war concerns Ottumwa Courier