Saudi Arabia to Begin Issuing Hajj Visas for 2026 Season from February 8

Saudi Arabia will begin issuing Hajj visas for the 2026 (1447 Hijri) Hajj season from February 8, the country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced.

The decision is part of a detailed operational plan prepared for Hajj offices worldwide, aimed at ensuring service quality and completing preparations several months before pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, preparations for the 2026 Hajj began well in advance, starting on June 8, 2025, which corresponds to 12 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 Hijri. At that time, the ministry shared preliminary planning documents with Hajj authorities across the globe.

At the beginning of the sacred travel season, Hajj offices were also provided with detailed information on tent allocations in the holy sites through the Nusuk Masar digital platform, giving them sufficient time for planning, review, and coordination.

As per the announced schedule, preliminary contracts for accommodation and core services began on 1 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 Hijri (late August 2025).

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also announced plans to organize a Hajj exhibition to enhance cooperation between government bodies and private-sector service providers.

Preparations intensified at the start of 2026, with contracts for accommodation, transportation, and other services in Makkah and Madinah finalized by January. Visa issuance will officially begin on February 8, while visa processing is expected to conclude in March, followed by the submission of pilgrims’ arrival-related data.

The ministry said the first group of pilgrims is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on April 18 (1 Dhul-Qadah), marking the start of the final phase of Hajj operations. Authorities emphasized strict adherence to the timeline to ensure infrastructure readiness and the delivery of all services on time.

The ministry reported significant progress in preparations so far. All services and accommodation contracts for foreign pilgrims in Makkah have been finalized through the Nusuk platform. Approximately 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who booked packages directly from their home countries.

For international pilgrims, around 485 tents have been allocated at the holy sites, and 73 Hajj offices have completed their initial contractual arrangements.

Saudi authorities have urged Hajj offices and service providers to strictly follow the approved schedule to ensure that pilgrims can perform Hajj safely, smoothly, and with dignity.