Visa issuance for the Hajj season 2026 will start on February 8. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has provided this information in a notification. The schedule has been announced as part of early preparations to streamline Hajj management.
According to the ministry, a detailed operational calendar has been published for the departments related to Hajj activities. Its aim is to complete all preparations many months before the Hajj pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Preparations for Hajj 2026 started on 8 June (12 Dhul Hijjah 1446 Hijri) last year. At that time, preliminary planning documents were sent to Hajj authorities around the world. Later, at the beginning of the month of Safar, detailed information regarding the tents and infrastructure of the holy places is provided through a digital platform called ‘Nusuk Masar’, allowing extra time for planning and coordination.
According to the announced schedule, preparatory contract activities related to housing and basic services will start from 1 Rabi’ al-Awwal of 1447 Hijri. By 12 October 2025, the preparatory meeting is scheduled to be completed, the final details of the program will be determined and the Hajj registration process will be launched in the participating countries.
There are also plans to hold a Hajj service exhibition during the month of Jumada al-Awwal to sign major service contracts and strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Preparations will intensify in early 2026. Agreements on accommodation, transportation, and services to the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah are expected to be finalized by January. Then 8 February will officially start issuing visas. Information regarding the finalization of the visa process and pre-arrival preparations of Hajj pilgrims will be submitted in March.
The ministry said that the first batch of Hajj pilgrims will start arriving in Saudi Arabia from 18 April 2026 (1 Dhul Qa’dah 1447 Hijri). This will mark the beginning of the final activities of the Hajj season.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has emphasized on strict adherence to the prescribed schedule. They saidA safe, orderly, and dignified Hajj is possible if infrastructure and services are fully prepared through advance planning.
According to the information of the Ministry, about 7 lakh 50 thousand Hajj pilgrims have completed registration so far. Among them, 30 thousand passengers have booked Hajj packages directly from their respective countries. 485 camps have been allotted at holy places for international Hajj pilgrims. Also, 73 Hajj activities offices have fulfilled their initial contractual conditions.
The ministry said that the use of the ‘Nusuk Masar’ platform and electronic wallet system has increased to ensure transparency and order in financial transactions and contract management. Source:Gulf News
