Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started issuing visas for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH) from February 8. The move follows the release of an official operational calendar for Hajj affairs offices and marks the early rollout of preparations aimed at ensuring readiness well before pilgrims arrive in the Kingdom.
The ministry said the early start is part of its efforts to strengthen planning and coordination for the pilgrimage. Preparations for the 2026 Hajj season had begun on June 8, 2025, corresponding to 12 Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH, when preliminary planning documents were shared with Hajj affairs offices worldwide.
In early Safar, Hajj affairs offices received access to detailed information on camps in the holy sites through the digital Nusk Masar platform. The access was provided to allow additional time for planning, review and coordination.
According to the operational schedule, preparatory contracting for accommodation and core services started on 1 Rabi Al Awwal 1447 AH. October 12, 2025 has been fixed as the deadline for completing preparatory meetings, finalising operational data and opening pilgrim registration in participating countries.
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During the month of Jumada Al Awwal, the ministry began signing major service agreements and launched a Hajj services exhibition to strengthen coordination between government bodies and private-sector service providers.
As preparations moved into the final stages in early 2026, contracts for accommodation in Mecca and Medina, along with transport and services at the holy sites, were scheduled for completion in January. Visa issuance formally began on February 8, followed by the process to finalise visas and submit pilgrims’ pre-arrival readiness data in March.
The ministry said the first groups of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia from April 18, 2026, corresponding to 1 Dhu Al Qadah 1447 AH. This marks the start of the final operational phase of the Hajj season.
The ministry stressed the need for strict adherence to the announced timeline to ensure that infrastructure and services are fully prepared ahead of pilgrims’ arrival.
It also confirmed that contracts covering all services at the holy sites for pilgrims arriving from abroad have been finalised. Accommodation agreements in Mecca have also been completed through the Nusk platform.
So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered for the 2026 Hajj season, including about 30,000 pilgrims who booked packages directly from their home countries. Around 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual requirements.
The ministry highlighted the use of the Nusk Masar platform and electronic wallets to manage financial and contractual processes. These measures are aimed at improving transparency, speeding up procedures and reducing booking-related issues.
In a statement, the ministry urged Hajj affairs offices and service providers to fully comply with the approved schedule, stressing that early planning remains essential to ensure a safe, efficient and dignified pilgrimage.
The ministry said the early start is part of its efforts to strengthen planning and coordination for the pilgrimage. Preparations for the 2026 Hajj season had begun on June 8, 2025, corresponding to 12 Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH, when preliminary planning documents were shared with Hajj affairs offices worldwide.
In early Safar, Hajj affairs offices received access to detailed information on camps in the holy sites through the digital Nusk Masar platform. The access was provided to allow additional time for planning, review and coordination.
According to the operational schedule, preparatory contracting for accommodation and core services started on 1 Rabi Al Awwal 1447 AH. October 12, 2025 has been fixed as the deadline for completing preparatory meetings, finalising operational data and opening pilgrim registration in participating countries.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
During the month of Jumada Al Awwal, the ministry began signing major service agreements and launched a Hajj services exhibition to strengthen coordination between government bodies and private-sector service providers.
As preparations moved into the final stages in early 2026, contracts for accommodation in Mecca and Medina, along with transport and services at the holy sites, were scheduled for completion in January. Visa issuance formally began on February 8, followed by the process to finalise visas and submit pilgrims’ pre-arrival readiness data in March.
The ministry said the first groups of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia from April 18, 2026, corresponding to 1 Dhu Al Qadah 1447 AH. This marks the start of the final operational phase of the Hajj season.
The ministry stressed the need for strict adherence to the announced timeline to ensure that infrastructure and services are fully prepared ahead of pilgrims’ arrival.
It also confirmed that contracts covering all services at the holy sites for pilgrims arriving from abroad have been finalised. Accommodation agreements in Mecca have also been completed through the Nusk platform.
So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered for the 2026 Hajj season, including about 30,000 pilgrims who booked packages directly from their home countries. Around 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, while 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual requirements.
The ministry highlighted the use of the Nusk Masar platform and electronic wallets to manage financial and contractual processes. These measures are aimed at improving transparency, speeding up procedures and reducing booking-related issues.
In a statement, the ministry urged Hajj affairs offices and service providers to fully comply with the approved schedule, stressing that early planning remains essential to ensure a safe, efficient and dignified pilgrimage.
