Hajj 2026 Visa Issuing to Begin Sunday
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the issuance of visas for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH) will begin tomorrow.
The move was unveiled as part of a detailed operational calendar for Hajj affairs offices.
It comes as part of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's ongoing efforts to enhance service readiness and streamline preparations months before pilgrims arrive in the Kingdom.
Preparations for the 2026 season began as early as June 8, 2025, corresponding to 12 Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH, when the ministry issued preliminary planning documents to Hajj affairs offices worldwide.
In early Safar, those offices were granted access to detailed data on camps in the holy sites through the digital Nusk Masar platform, allowing additional time for planning, review and coordination.
According to the announced schedule, preparatory contracting for accommodation and core services will begin on 1 Rabi Al Awwal 1447 AH, with October 12, 2025 set as the deadline for completing preparatory meetings, finalizing operational data and opening pilgrim registration in participating countries.
The month of Jumada Al Awwal saw the signing of major service agreements and the launch of a Hajj services exhibition aimed at strengthening cooperation between government entities and private-sector providers.
As preparations intensify in early 2026, contracts for accommodation in Mecca and Medina, as well as transport and services at the holy sites, were scheduled for completion in January. Visa issuance will formally begin on February 8, followed in March by the finalization of visas and the submission of pilgrims’ pre-arrival readiness data.
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The ministry said the first groups of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia from April 19, 2026 (1 Dhu Al Qadah 1447 AH), marking the start of the final operational phase of the season.
The ministry stressed the importance of strict adherence to the announced timeline to ensure that infrastructure and services are fully prepared ahead of pilgrims’ arrival.
Source: daily-sun.com
