The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced details of the timeline for the 1447 AH (2026 CE) Hajj season, a proactive step aimed at enhancing preparations and facilitating the pilgrims' journey. The Ministry revealed that the official start date for issuing Hajj visas will be February 8, 2026 , reflecting a fundamental shift in the system's operational planning mechanisms.
Strategic shift in Hajj management
This early announcement comes within the context of the major transformations the Kingdom is undergoing as part of Vision 2030 , specifically through the "Guests of God Service Program." Previously, Hajj procedures were conducted within tight timeframes, but the Ministry has now transitioned to a sustainable, year-round institutional work model. This early release of the schedule allows Hajj affairs offices in various Islamic countries ample time to arrange contracts, book services, and prepare pilgrims well in advance of their travel, thus mitigating the logistical challenges that arose in previous seasons due to time constraints.
Details of the Hajj season schedule for 1447 AH
The ministry clarified that preparations have been underway since 12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH (June 8, 2025), with the submission of the initial arrangements documents. The following are the key upcoming milestones:
- 1 Rabi' al-Awwal 1447 AH: Launch of the preparatory contracting phase for services and housing.
- 20 Rabi’ al-Thani 1447 AH (October 12, 2025): Deadline for closing preparatory meetings and completing operational data.
- Jumada al-Ula 1447 AH: Signing of key agreements and launch of the Hajj Services Exhibition to promote partnerships with the private sector.
- January 2026: Completion of all housing contracts in Makkah and Madinah and transportation services.
- February 8, 2026: The actual start of issuing electronic visas for pilgrims.
Arrival of pilgrims and the economic and organizational impact
The Ministry has set the date of 1 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1447 AH (April 18, 2026) as the start date for the arrival of the first groups of pilgrims at the Kingdom's air, land, and sea ports. Hajj economics experts believe that this early planning directly contributes to stabilizing service prices, as it allows for fair competition among service providers and prevents price inflation resulting from last-minute surges in demand. It also enhances the readiness of the infrastructure in the holy sites to accommodate the expected millions of pilgrims.
Digitalization via the "Nusk Masar" platform
The Ministry emphasized that all financial and contractual transactions will be conducted through the "Nusk Masar" and e-wallet, ensuring complete transparency and protecting the rights of all parties. This platform serves as the technological arm that eliminates randomness and allows the Ministry to monitor the quality of services provided to pilgrims in real time, from the selection of accommodation until the pilgrim's departure from their home country, thus fulfilling the season's slogan: "Nusk and Tranquility."
