RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that visa issuance for the 2026 Hajj season (1447 AH) corresponding to Shaban 20 will begin on Sunday, February 8.
This early start is part of an accelerated schedule designed to enhance service preparations and ensure the comfort of pilgrims approximately four months before the ceremony, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The ministry confirmed that a contract covering 100 percent of services in the holy city for pilgrims arriving from abroad has been completed, along with all accommodation contracts in Makkah through the Nusku platform. The newspaper reported that 750,000 pilgrims have registered so far and packages have been booked directly from their home countries for 30,000 pilgrims.
Additionally, approximately 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims in the Holy Land, and 73 Hajj Secretariat have completed basic contractual arrangements. Coordination with the Hajj Secretariat and service providers within and outside the Kingdom is ongoing.
Issuing visas at this early stage reflects a proactive planning approach to the Hajj season and can contribute to a more organized experience and improve the efficiency of services provided to the millions of pilgrims from around the world.
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This initiative forms part of a comprehensive series of organizational and technical measures, including the completion of service contracts in the Holy Land, the approval of accommodation and transportation agreements, and the preparation and allocation of camps to ensure smooth operations and prevent difficulties during the season.
