Hajj 2026 Live Blog: Permits, Visas & Travel Updates

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released daily crowd-density guidance to help pilgrims plan their Umrah visits. Low density periods are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Moderate density runs 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM, while high density occurs 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Pilgrims are advised to visit during low-density windows for a more comfortable experience.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expanded its electronic tourist visa scheme to include citizens of Kosovo and Guyana. The visa allows holders to visit Saudi Arabia for multiple purposes, including performing Umrah, tourism, attending events and conferences, and visiting relatives. Eligible applicants can obtain the visa electronically or on arrival at entry points across the Kingdom.

Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MORA) has announced that the second installment for the government Hajj scheme will open for collection from October 5 at midnight. Pilgrims must submit mandatory obligations via the Pak Hajj App or digital portal by October 20. A medical fitness certificate must be uploaded before payment, and package modification requests close today at midnight.

The Jeddah Astronomy Society announced that the moon will align vertically over the Kaaba on the morning of October 5, 2026. This is the second such astronomical event to occur over the holy shrine during 2026. The alignment is a rare celestial occurrence of significance to pilgrims and astronomers.

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather alert for Sunday, October 4, forecasting heavy thunderstorms capable of triggering flash floods across parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah. Pilgrims and travelers in these regions are advised to exercise caution and monitor official weather updates.

flyadeal, Saudi Arabia's low-cost carrier, has inaugurated its first flight to Mumbai, marking the airline's second gateway in India after Hyderabad. The new Riyadh-Mumbai route enhances air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and India, supporting both leisure and pilgrim travel within the first three months of flyadeal's entry into the Indian market.

Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (MORA) has announced that the second installment of hajj dues from government-sponsored pilgrims must be submitted between October 5–20, 2026 via the Hajj Portal or Pak Hajj App. Pilgrims are required to upload a medical fitness certificate before the second payment; failure to do so will result in cancellation of the application and refund of the first installment to the applicant's account.

Arab and Islamic nations have condemned a Houthi militia attack on a power station that supplies electricity to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. Officials described the strike as an affront to Muslim sentiments and a desecration of holy sites. The incident raises concerns about the security and continuous operation of pilgrimage facilities during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah faced disruption after Houthi forces targeted a power distribution station supplying electricity to the holy site on October 2, 2026. The Ministry of Health and regional authorities responded to stabilize services. Arab and Islamic nations, including Algeria, have strongly condemned the attack as a threat to pilgrim safety and essential services for the faithful.

The Makkah Region authorities report heavy rainfall across eastern and central Makkah on Friday, October 2, 2026. Pilgrims and visitors are advised to monitor weather conditions and take necessary precautions. The rainfall may affect site access and outdoor activities in the Holy City.

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv (FZ 1073) was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia on September 30 following a cockpit safety incident. All 172 passengers and crew on board were safe, with the captain receiving medical clearance before returning to the UAE. While this flight does not directly serve Hajj or Umrah routes, the incident demonstrates the operational readiness of Saudi airports during the pilgrimage season.

Saudi Arabia's Public Security has denied reports of a suicide bomber at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, clarifying that security forces arrested a man accused of harassing passersby and causing panic. Authorities completed legal procedures and referred him to Public Prosecution. The clarification followed social media claims that were deemed false.

Pakistan, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain have condemned the Houthi militia attack on a power distribution station serving the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah on September 29. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry stressed the need to protect the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and ensure the safety of pilgrims and worshippers in all circumstances, calling for an immediate halt to such attacks that threaten regional peace and security.

Saudi authorities have denied reports of a suicide bomber at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, clarifying that security forces arrested a man for harassing passersby and causing public panic. The incident underscores ongoing security vigilance at Islam's holiest site during peak pilgrimage periods.

The Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques issued a statement condemning ongoing Houthi attacks targeting Makkah and Madinah. The statement affirmed that such attacks constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the holy sites. The Presidency stressed that these acts will not undermine Saudi Arabia's security and stability.

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah conducted strategic coordination with the Ministry of Interior on October 1, 2026, to strengthen data sharing and operational synergy for pilgrims. The coordination aims to improve Hajj services and pilgrim management systems ahead of the upcoming Hajj season.

Houthi forces launched a drone attack on a power station in Madinah that supplies electricity to the Prophet's Mosque, according to coalition reports. The OIC and multiple Arab states, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, and Pakistan, have condemned the attack and reaffirmed support for Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia has arrested a man in Makkah for harassing visitors and causing panic among them. The arrest underscores ongoing safety efforts to maintain order and security for pilgrims and visitors at the holy city.

The Pakistan Foreign Ministry, along with Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain, have condemned Houthi attacks targeting a power plant in Madinah. The incident raises concerns for pilgrims traveling to and residing in the holy city during Hajj and Umrah seasons. Regional authorities are monitoring the security situation closely.

Security authorities in Masjid Al Haram (the Grand Mosque) arrested a person for harassing pilgrims and causing fear and panic among them. The individual was referred to public prosecution following legal procedures. Authorities clarified that false claims circulating about a suicide bomber being apprehended are inaccurate and urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.

A flydubai aircraft (FZ1073) made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk on September 30 after declaring an emergency. The aircraft carried 174 passengers and 8 crew members and landed safely at 9:45 AM. All passengers and crew received necessary care; passengers continued their journey later that day while the captain and first officer received medical treatment.

Saudi authorities have denied reports of a suicide bomber at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, clarifying that security forces arrested a man for harassing passersby and causing panic. The incident did not pose a threat to pilgrims or worshippers at the holy site.

The Houthi militia targeted the Taybah Power Station that supplies the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, according to coalition spokesperson reports. One transformer was damaged but no impact on the mosque's power network was recorded, and worshippers continued arriving normally for prayers.

Houthi militants targeted a power distribution station serving the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah on Tuesday morning using a drone, according to the Saudi-led coalition. The Ministry of Health and Saudi authorities confirmed that mosque services were not disrupted. Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a grave assault on Islamic holy sites and a violation of Saudi sovereignty and international law.

Yemen's Houthi militia launched a drone attack on Tiba power distribution station in Madinah, which supplies electricity to the Prophet's Mosque, a site sacred to all Muslims. Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles and four drones in the attack. The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque condemned the assault as a flagrant attack on the sanctity of Islam's holiest sites. Arab and Muslim nations, including Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Jordan, have also denounced the strike.

Houthi militia carried out a drone attack on the Taiba power distribution station in Madinah on Tuesday morning, which supplies electricity to the Prophet's Mosque, according to the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy. The attack caused one transformer to go offline but did not affect the overall electrical grid. The incident is part of a pattern of attempted attacks on the Two Holy Mosques and has been condemned by Gulf states, Jordan, Yemen, and the Presidency of Religious Affairs as targeting the sanctity of Islam's holiest sites.

Saudi Ministry of Interior has launched a new communication service via the Absher platform that allows applicants to submit requests for transactions that cannot be completed electronically, without requiring a visit to passport office branches. This service streamlines the visa and permit application process for pilgrims and other users who face obstacles with online submission.

The Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen reported that the Houthi militia launched a drone attack on the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah at 05:11 AM on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The attack targeted a civilian electricity facility providing power to the Prophet's Mosque. One transformer was knocked out of service, but the overall electrical grid remained unaffected. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al Maliki confirmed Houthi involvement through investigation and analysis of drone wreckage, and vowed continued measures to protect pilgrims and the Two Holy Mosques.

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, has been transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention and recovery following the mid-air incident. The pilot was previously in stable condition at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he received initial treatment after the emergency landing.

The Pakistan Ministry of Religious Affairs has extended the deadline for private Hajj pilgrims to file complaints against their Hajj operators regarding performance guarantee refunds from Hajj 2026. Complaints must be submitted in writing or via email before October 20. After this date, the performance guarantee refund process will commence automatically.