MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated that only pilgrims holding official permits will be allowed to perform the 2026 Hajj, warning that violators will face penalties as authorities step up preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry said all pilgrims’ affairs offices and licensed service providers must ensure that participants obtain the required authorisation and comply fully with approved procedures.
“Performing Hajj is restricted to those who have obtained an official permit,” the ministry said, stressing that no leniency would be shown toward unauthorised attempts to join the pilgrimage.
The permit system is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to manage the massive influx of worshippers converging on Makkah each year, helping authorities regulate crowd flows, maintain safety, and improve the overall experience at Islam’s holiest sites.
National Hajj missions
Hajj — one of the five pillars of Islam — draws millions of Muslims from around the world. In 2025, a total of 1,673,230 pilgrims — 166,654 from the Kingdom and 1,506,576 from abroad — performed the rituals, according to the Hajj Ministry and Data Saudi, with participation shaped by quotas allocated to each country.
Early indicators suggest strong demand for 2026, with registrations and planning already underway through national Hajj missions and digital platforms.
Saudi authorities say strict adherence to the permit system enhances crowd management efficiency, ensures smoother movement between ritual sites, and reduces risks associated with overcrowding, particularly during peak rites such as those in Mina and Arafat.
The ministry added that coordination with Hajj missions and service providers began immediately after last year’s season, including regular meetings and awareness campaigns designed to boost compliance and service quality.
The Kingdom has in recent years invested heavily in infrastructure and digital systems to handle the pilgrimage, aiming to balance spiritual access with safety in one of the largest annual gatherings in the world.
