Saudi Arabia Bans Photography in Mecca and Medina for Hajj 2026

Saudi officials have put a complete ban on all photography and videography within Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina during the Hajj 2026 season. The ban extends to mobile phones, cameras and any other recording devices, whether indoors or outdoors in the two sacred mosques.

Purpose Photography Ban Hajj 2026

Its purpose is to maintain the privacy of pilgrims, maintain the spiritual mood, and reduce the disturbances during big congregations in the form of selfies and filming. The sites will be closely monitored by security personnel, and the violation may result in seizure of devices or fines.

Background of Restrictions

The ban is based on previous actions proposed in 2017, when Saudi officials first limited photography in order to eliminate disruptions to worshipers. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has over the years cautioned pilgrims many times to refrain from using selfies or videos in prayer times. In 2025, the same policy applied to other important sites of Hajj like Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, which also banned political slogans and banners.

Impact on Pilgrims

The ruling has impacted millions of Muslims who will be undertaking Hajj or Umrah and will be compelled to worship instead of recording their visit. The government stressed that the regulations cover every visitor and stressed the significance of privacy, order, and respect at the sacred places of Islam.