If you’re planning to perform Hajj this year, here’s some important news: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah just announced that Hajj visas for the 2026 season (1447 AH) will start being issued on February 8. That’s one of the earliest visa timelines we’ve seen in recent years.
This early start is part of a much bigger plan to get everything ready well before pilgrims arrive. According to the ministry, preparations for Hajj 2026 actually kicked off way back on June 8, 2025 (12 Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH), when they sent out preliminary planning documents to Hajj affairs offices around the world.
Early in Safar, those offices got access to camp allocation data at the holy sites through the Nusk Masar digital platform, giving them plenty of time to coordinate and plan. Then in Rabi Al Awwal 1447 AH, the contracting process for accommodation and essential services began. By October 12, 2025, the deadline hit for finalizing operational data and opening up pilgrim registration in participating countries.
All the major service agreements — accommodation, transport, services at the holy sites — were wrapped up in January 2026. Now that we’re in February, visas are starting to be issued, and by March, final visa processing and submission of pilgrims’ pre-arrival data will be underway.
The ministry confirmed that the first groups of pilgrims are expected to start arriving on April 18, 2026 (1 Dhu Al Qadah 1447 AH), which marks the final operational phase of the season.
Officials are stressing that sticking to this timeline is crucial to make sure infrastructure is ready and that pilgrims have a smooth experience. They’re also using digital tools like Nusk Masar and electronic wallets to make the whole Hajj process more transparent and efficient.
Bottom line? If you’re going, things are moving fast — so stay on top of your paperwork and registration.
