Saudi Arabia Releases 2026 Hajj Timeline, Sets Preparations in Motion
Key deadlines revealed for tent allocation, visa issuance, and logistics as Kingdom opens Hajj calendar to participating countries for early coordination
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released the 2026 Hajj calendar of events, paving the way for Hajj-participating countries to kick-start their pre-Hajj preparations in earnest.
The Hajj calendar of events, seen by HAJJ REPORTERS, sets August 9 to 23, 2025, as the confirmation period for countries wishing to retain their designated tent zones in Mina. This process, including payment for the basic service packages through the Nusuk Masar platform, must be completed within the same window. A series of preparatory meetings has also been scheduled during this period to align expectations between service providers and Hajj missions.
According to the schedule, contracting for camps and accommodation services officially begins on August 24, 2025, to be followed by the contracting of air carriers and flight scheduling within the same period. By November 9, 2025, Saudi Arabia will sign the Hajj MoU with Hajj affairs offices, while Hajj service contracts with Service providers are expected to be signed during the Hajj and Umrah exhibition conference, and the Tafweej Preferences Agreement formalised on the same date.
By December 21, 2025, Hajj missions must transfer all required funds for camps and service packages to the Nusuk e-wallet.
The deadline for transferring funds for housing services in Makkah and in Madina via Nusuk wallet is set for 20th January 2026.
The deadline for finalizing housing contracts in Makkah and Madinah is February 1, 2026, with February 8 set as the date for the commencement of the visa issuance. The visa issuance process will close on March 20, 2026.
The data entry for pilgrim arrivals is scheduled to begin on March 25, and the handover of fully prepared tents and facilities in Mina is fixed for April 16, 2026. Pilgrim arrivals will then officially commence on April 18, 2026.
The early release of the timeline is expected to improve logistics, allow for better planning, and ensure a smoother Hajj experience for pilgrims and officials alike.
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