Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the start date for Hajj visa issuance, offering clarity to millions of intending pilgrims around the world. Authorities announced that visas will begin being issued from February 8, 2026, under an accelerated preparation schedule designed to improve services and streamline travel arrangements.
The move is part of broader modernization goals aligned with the Kingdom’s long-term development strategy, ensuring smoother coordination, better accommodation management, and enhanced pilgrim comfort.
Visa Issuance to Begin February 8
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that preparations at holy sites are progressing on time. Starting the visa process earlier allows countries, tour operators, and pilgrims to finalize logistics well ahead of departure.
Officials say the early timeline will:
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Reduce last-minute processing pressure
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Improve flight and accommodation planning
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Enhance safety and service delivery
Service Contracts and Accommodation Finalized
According to ministry officials, contracts covering key pilgrim services have already been completed. This includes:
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Accommodation arrangements in Mecca
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On-ground logistics
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Site management and transportation
Bookings made through the government-approved Nusuk platform have also been confirmed.
Current Registration Snapshot
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About 750,000 pilgrims have registered so far
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Nearly 30,000 packages were booked directly from home countries
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485 camps allocated for international pilgrims
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73 Hajj affairs offices have completed initial agreements
Pakistan’s Hajj Preparations
In Pakistan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has already completed a large portion of its arrangements.
Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf confirmed earlier that:
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119,000 government-scheme pilgrims are registered
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Around 60,000 private pilgrims have also enrolled
He stated that food, transport, and accommodation contracts have been awarded after a competitive and transparent process, ensuring compliance with Saudi timelines.
Focus on Better Pilgrim Experience
Authorities in Saudi Arabia are emphasizing:
✅ Faster documentation
✅ Organized accommodation
✅ Improved transport networks
✅ Crowd management planning
✅ Digitized service platforms
The objective is to make Hajj operations more efficient while maintaining the spiritual sanctity of the pilgrimage.
What Pilgrims Should Do Now
With visa issuance beginning soon, intending pilgrims are advised to:
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Complete payments and documentation
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Coordinate with authorized operators
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Monitor official communication channels
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Prepare travel documents in advance
Early preparation helps avoid delays once flights and movement schedules are finalized.
Conclusion
The announcement that Hajj visas will start from February 8, 2026 provides timely reassurance for pilgrims worldwide. With contracts finalized, camps allocated, and digital systems in place, Saudi authorities appear set to manage another large-scale pilgrimage with improved organization and service quality.
For Pakistani pilgrims, registration milestones suggest that national arrangements are also moving in line with the Kingdom’s schedule.
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