Saudi Arabia announces Hajj 2026 visa issuance date

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that Hajj 2026 visas will start being issued from February 8. The early start is meant to help complete Hajj preparations on time and provide better facilities to pilgrims.

According to the ministry, all service agreements for international pilgrims have been completed. Accommodation arrangements in Makkah are also finalized through the Nusuk platform.

So far, around 750,000 pilgrims have registered for Hajj 2026. Out of these, 30,000 pilgrims have already booked their Hajj packages directly from their home countries.

Saudi officials said that starting the visa process early will help manage arrangements smoothly and improve services for millions of pilgrims coming from across the world.

Biometric Registration Deadline for Hajj 2026

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced that all Hajj 2026 pilgrims must complete their biometric registration by February 8 for visa processing.

Pilgrims are advised to use the Saudi Visa Bio App, which is available on mobile app stores. Through the app, pilgrims must:

• Register with an email address

• Upload a passport scan

• Take a selfie

• Provide fingerprint verification for both hands

After completing the process, pilgrims will receive a confirmation email, which should be saved for future use.

If anyone faces problems with the app, they can get help from their bank branches or visit Tasheer Centers set up across the country.

Tasheer Centers and Timings

Tasheer Centers are available in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, and Quetta. These centers will remain open Monday to Friday, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM to assist pilgrims with biometric registration.