A message circulating on social media claims that Saudi Arabia has imposed a complete ban on photography and video recording inside Masjid al-Haram, outside the mosque, and during Tawaf for Hajj 2026, with violators allegedly facing a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals and deportation after cancellation of their Hajj visa.
However, no official announcement has so far been issued by the Saudi government, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, or any relevant authority confirming such a complete ban or the reported penalties.
Saudi authorities do issue guidelines every year during Hajj to maintain discipline, security, and the sanctity of worship, but the claims being widely shared on social media have not been officially verified.
Experts advise people to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely only on official sources for updates related to Hajj regulations in order to prevent unnecessary confusion among pilgrims.
