The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated February 8, 2026, as the firm deadline for submitting pilgrims’ data and forming groups on the Nusuk Masar registration platform, which is essential for Hajj visa issuance. The ministry confirmed that March 20, 2026, remains the final date for visa processing.
The announcement was made during a virtual meeting with all Hajj-participating countries on February 4, 2026. The session, titled Official Schedule of Operations, was anchored by Mr. Abdallah Awad Alshehri, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, who emphasized that registration must be completed before any pilgrims’ grouping is considered valid for visa processing.
Key registration requirements include:
- Payment of consolidated guarantees for all pilgrims.
- Identification, processing, and payment of Hadaya contracts for pilgrims performing Tumattu’I and Qiran rites; those opting for fasting instead of sacrifice must also be registered.
- Clear categorisation of pilgrims under the three Hajj rites: Ifrad, Tumattu’I, and Qiran.
- Execution of a medical service contract with an accredited provider based in Saudi Arabia.
- Booking of backup accommodation in Makkah for 1% of the country’s pilgrims’ quota. For example, a country with 40,000 pilgrims must secure space for approximately 400 people as a contingency.
Alshehri warned that pilgrims and officials who have not had their passports captured on Nusuk Masar risk missing Hajj 2026 if the February 8 deadline is not met.
Bilateral Air Service Agreement:
The Saudi delegation confirmed that the 50/50 passenger-sharing formula under the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) will be fully enforced starting 2027. For Hajj 2026, the current 40/60 formula remains in place.
Other discussions focused on improving the Umrah visa experience and reducing visa violations and overstays. Fatima Sanda Usara, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at NAHCON, advised tour operators to ensure pilgrims travel and return within the validity period of their visas.
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