Saudi Arabia begins issuing Hajj visas for 2026
So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who booked packages directly from their home countries
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on Thursday that visa issuance for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH) officially begins today, part of a strategic operational calendar designed to enhance service readiness and streamline preparations months before pilgrims arrive.
The ministry outlined key milestones leading up to the Hajj season. Initial planning and the issuance of preliminary documents to Hajj affairs offices began on 8 June, 2025, followed by the completion of preparatory meetings and the opening of pilgrim registration by the 12 October, 2025 deadline, says Gulf News.
Contracts for accommodation in Mecca and Medina, as well as transport services at holy sites, were finalized in January 2026.
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"The first groups of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on 18 April, 2026, marking the start of the season's final operational phase," the ministry said.
So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who booked packages directly from their home countries. To manage this scale, the ministry is using the Nusk Masar digital platform and electronic wallets to improve transparency, accelerate contractual processes, and reduce disorder in bookings.
So far, 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims, and 73 Hajj affairs offices have met their basic contractual requirements.
The ministry emphasized that strict adherence to the announced timeline is essential to ensure that infrastructure and services are fully prepared to deliver a safe, efficient, and dignified pilgrimage.
