Egyptian authorities are reportedly planning to permanently cancel overland Hajj trips beginning 2026, marking a major shift in how the pilgrimage is organized for Egyptian citizens.
The move comes amid changes in Saudi Arabia’s transport strategy during Hajj season, and is seen as one of the most significant adjustments to Egypt’s pilgrimage logistics in decades.
Hamza Anaby, a member of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, told local media that the primary reason behind the decision is Saudi Arabia’s push to rely exclusively on its own internal transportation network during Hajj. This development would eliminate the need for buses entering the Kingdom from abroad.
“The Kingdom aims to operate its own fleet for transporting pilgrims within the holy sites,” Anaby said, noting that this excludes the use of foreign vehicles, including Egyptian overland buses.
Future Hajj programs will be designed with a more economic approach in mind, Anaby added. He said the Federation is currently working with relevant Egyptian authorities to ensure high-quality services that align with Saudi Arabia’s new regulations while remaining affordable for pilgrims. Details on the 2026 Hajj guidelines are expected to be announced in the coming days.
