Saudi Arabia opens visas for Hajj 2026 season

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officially launched the issuance of visas for the Hajj 2026 season this February 8. This announcement marks an important logistical turning point: Saudi Arabia is now anticipating the operational schedule by several months, in order to manage the flow of pilgrims with even greater precision.

For international travelers, this earlier opening means shorter processing times. Whether you live in Africa, Asia or the West, entry protocols differ.

Nusuk Hajj: The electronic visa application platform

For the majority of pilgrims living in Europe, the Americas, Australia and much of Asia, The procedure is now 100% digitalized. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah informs you of all the information you need to organize your pilgrimage.

How does it work in 2026?

Everything happens on the government platform Nusuk Hajj. This is the only official channel for obtaining your visa if you are outside countries with government “Hajj missions” (such as Indonesia or Pakistan).

1. Profile creation : You must upload your documents (passport, photo).
2. Verification : Validate your identity and eligibility (age, vaccinations).
3. Electronic wallet (E-Wallet) : You must upload the necessary funds before you can make a reservation.
4. Package reservation : Choice of package (Standard, Premium, Luxury) including flights, hotels and rituals.
5. Instant Visa : Once the package has been paid for, the visa is issued electronically.

2026 Operational Calendar: Deadlines

Saudi Arabia is a fast-paced country, and keeping to these dates is crucial to the validity of the trip.

Date Key	Event	Implications for the traveler
February 8, 2026	Start of visas	Official launch of electronic visa issues.
End of March 2026	Closing contracts	Deadline for finalizing accommodation in Mecca and Medina.
April 18, 2026	First arrivals	Arrival of the first Hajj flights (corresponding to 1st Dhu Al Qadah).
Mid-May 2026	Hajj Week	Sacred rituals (dates subject to lunar observation).

Health and administrative requirements

The visa application file must be complete from the first submission. The Saudi authorities apply zero tolerance to health violations.

Health and vaccines

• Meningitis (ACWY): Vaccination is compulsory. The international vaccination booklet (yellow) must prove an injection less than 3 years old (or 5 years old depending on the type of vaccine) and more than 10 days before arrival.
• Polio : Proof of recent vaccination is required for travelers from countries where the virus is endemic or at risk of reintroduction.
• Physical fitness : Visas are no longer issued to people with serious medical conditions (advanced kidney, heart or liver failure) incompatible with the intense physical effort of the rituals.

Check your travel documents

• Passport : Must be valid at least 6 months after the scheduled return date.
• Biometrics (Saudi Visa Bio) : For many countries (UK, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Kuwait...), applicants must register their face and fingerprints via the dedicated smartphone application even before applying for a visa. This step generates a reference number, which is essential for further processing.

If you are planning your next Umrah pilgrimage, please check the travel conditions before planning your stay. An entry/exit schedule is defined according to the dates of the Hajj 2026 pilgrimage. Here is our last news.

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