Hajj 2026 visas now open – Saudi Arabia prepares for record pilgrimage

Preparations for Hajj 2026 began on June 8, 2025 (12 Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH), when the Ministry issued preliminary planning documents to Hajj affairs offices worldwide. As preparations intensify in early 2026, contracts for accommodation in Mecca and Medina, as well as transport and services at the holy sites, were scheduled for completion in January, according to Gulf News.

"The first groups of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on April 18, 2026, marking the start of the season's final operational phase," the ministry was quoted as saying by The Business Standard.

So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered, including 30,000 who booked packages directly from their home countries. A total of 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims, and 73 Hajj affairs offices have met their basic contractual requirements, the newspaper reported.

What is Hajj?

According to Islamic Relief UK, Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj in Makkah.