Last Updated: March 10, 2026
As the Hajj 2026 season approaches, millions of Muslims around the world are looking to Saudi Arabia for the latest updates regarding Hajj 2026 visa. Reflecting its commitment to early organization and providing a smoother and safer Hajj experience, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced an early Hajj 2026 visa schedule, confirming that visa issuance will begin in February, with the first groups of pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom in April 2026. This announcement is part of a comprehensive operational plan aimed at enhancing service readiness and facilitating preparations months before the start of the Hajj season.
Saudi Arabia Announces Early Hajj 2026 Visa Schedule
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the issuance of Hajj visas for the 2026 season (1447 AH) will begin on February 8th. This announcement is part of a comprehensive operational plan for Hajj offices. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s ongoing efforts to improve services and streamline preparations several months before pilgrims arrive in the Kingdom.
When Will Hajj 2026 Visas Be Issued?
The visa issuance process will officially begin on February 8th, and visa procedures and pilgrim readiness data will be finalized in March. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that the first group of pilgrims will arrive in Saudi Arabia starting April 18, 2026 (corresponding to Dhul-Qa’dah 1, 1447 AH), marking the beginning of the final phase of the season.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to the announced timeline to ensure the optimal completion of infrastructure and services before the pilgrims’ arrival. This early launch coincided with significant progress in the work.
The Ministry also reported that contracts covering all necessary services in the Holy Sites for pilgrims arriving from abroad have been finalized, in addition to agreements for accommodation in Makkah through the ‘Nusk’ platform.
Hajj 2026 Preparations Begin Months in Advance
Preparations for the 2026 Hajj season began as early as June 8, 2025 (corresponding to Dhul Hijjah 12, 1446 AH), with the Ministry releasing initial planning documents to Hajj affairs offices worldwide.
At the beginning of Safar, these offices gained access to detailed information about camps at the holy sites through the ‘Nusk Masar’ digital platform, providing them with more time for planning, reviewing, and organizing their work.
According to the announced timeline, contracts for accommodation and essential services will commence on Rabi’ al-Awwal 1, 1447 AH, while October 12, 2025, will be the deadline for holding preparatory meetings, finalizing operational information, and opening registration for pilgrims in participating countries.
During Jumada al-Ula, agreements related to key services will be signed, and a Hajj-related services exhibition will be launched to enhance cooperation between government agencies and private sector service providers.
With preparations intensifying at the beginning of Hajj 2026, it was planned to finalize accommodation contracts in Mecca and Medina, along with transportation and services in the holy sites, by January. Visa issuance was scheduled to officially commence on February 8th, followed in March by the completion of visa procedures and the submission of pilgrims’ readiness data prior to arrival.
Role of the Nusk Masar Platform in Hajj 2026
The Ministry highlighted the importance of the Nusk Masar system and e-wallets in streamlining financial transactions and contracts. These steps aim to enhance transparency, expedite procedures, and reduce disruptions in booking systems. To date, approximately 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who booked their packages directly from their home countries. Around 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims in the holy sites, while 73 Hajj and Umrah offices have completed the necessary contracting requirements.
Key Dates in the Hajj 2026 Operational Timeline
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced an early and detailed timeline for the 2026 Hajj season, including the following dates:
- June 8, 2025 (12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH): Official preparations for the season begin, and initial planning documents are issued to Hajj affairs offices worldwide.
- Early Safar 1447 AH: Detailed data on the holy sites camps becomes available to Hajj affairs offices via the Nusuk Masar platform.
- 1 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 AH: Preparatory contracts for accommodation and essential services commence.
- October 12, 2025: Deadline for holding preparatory meetings, finalizing operational data, and opening registration for pilgrims in participating countries.
- Jumada al-Ula 1447 AH: Key service agreements are signed, and the Hajj Services Exhibition is launched to enhance cooperation between government agencies and the private sector.
- January 2026: Accommodation contracts in Mecca and Medina, as well as transportation and services at the holy sites, are finalized.
- February 8, 2026: The official launch of Hajj visa issuance for the 2026 season.
- March 2026: Visa procedures are completed, and pilgrim readiness data is submitted prior to arrival.
- April 18, 2026 (1 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1447 AH): The first groups of pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of the final operational phase of the season.
FAQs
When will Hajj 2026 visas be issued?
The issuance of Hajj 2026 visas officially begins on February 8, 2026, according to an announcement by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
When will pilgrims start arriving for Hajj 2026?
The first groups of pilgrims will arrive in Saudi Arabia starting April 18, 2026, marking the beginning of the final operational phase of the Hajj season.
How early did preparations for Hajj 2026 begin?
Preparations for the Hajj 2026 season began as early as June 8, 2025, with the issuance of initial planning documents to Hajj affairs offices worldwide.
What is Nusk Masar and how does it support Hajj 2026?
The Nusk Masar platform is a digital platform designed to streamline contracts, accommodation, services, and financial operations, enhancing transparency and expediting procedures during the Hajj 2026 season.
