Saudi Arabia to Begin Issuing 2026 Hajj Visas from 8 February

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that visa issuance for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH) will begin on 8 February, ahead of pilgrim arrivals scheduled for April.

The early rollout is part of a detailed operational calendar aimed at enhancing service readiness and streamlining preparations months before pilgrims enter the Kingdom. Preparations began in June 2025, with planning documents issued to Hajj affairs offices worldwide and detailed camp data shared through the digital Nusk Masar platform.

Contracts for accommodation, transport, and services at the holy sites were finalised in January 2026. Pilgrim registration in participating countries began in October 2025, with around 750,000 pilgrims already registered, including 30,000 who booked packages directly from their home countries. Approximately 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims, and 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual requirements.

The Ministry stressed that strict adherence to the timeline is essential to ensure infrastructure, services, and operations are fully prepared ahead of arrivals, with the first groups expected in Saudi Arabia from 18 April 2026. Officials also highlighted the use of digital platforms and electronic wallets to improve transparency and efficiency in managing contracts and payments.