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Is Egypt Planning To End The Overland Hajj To Saudi Arabia From 2026? Here’s What We Know So Far

With Saudi Arabia transforming its transport system to make this pilgrimage easier, there might be a major shift in how pilgrimage is organised for Egyptian citizens.

by Anupriya Mishra
Is Egypt Planning To End The Overland Hajj To Saudi Arabia From 2026? Here’s What We Know So Far

It’s no secret that Hajj is an important duty that must be performed by physically and financially able Muslims from around the world. And with Saudi Arabia transforming its transport system to make this pilgrimage easier, there might be a major shift in how pilgrimage is organised for Egyptian citizens. Here’s what it means for those who are planning for Hajj 2026.

Overland Hajj To End For Egyptian Citizens?

Saudi Arabia has been making major changes when it comes to transport strategy during the Hajj season of 2026. One of the most important changes happen to be the fact that there seem to be significant adjustments in the pilgrimage logistics of the country. As a result, Egyptian authorities might be planning to cancel overland Hajj trips from 2026, as revealed in a report by the Gulf News.

Why Can This Happen?

20-Day Short Hajj Package
Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Zurijeta

If this happens, it will be a major shift in how pilgrimage happens in Egypt for its citizens. Not to mention, it will be an important adjustment to the logistics for the pilgrimage in Egypt. With the kingdom pushing to rely exclusively on its own internal transportation network, this means that the requirement for buses to enter Saudi Arabia from abroad will no longer be needed.

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A More Affordable Pilgrimage For Egyptian Citizens

If this becomes a reality, foreign vehicles, which include those from Egypt, will be excluded. This means that such programmes will then have to be designed in such a way that they keep these changes in mind. With a more economic approach, it was also revealed that the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers’ member is working to ensure that there are high-quality services. Not to mention, they are thinking of ways in which they can align with the changing regulations of Saudi Arabia to make the pilgrimage affordable for those who are planning to take on this spiritual journey in 2026.

These developments come at a time when the guidelines for 2026 are expected to be announced coming days.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Muhammad Khawar Nazir

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First Published: July 31, 2025 1:10 PM