Hajj 2026 Guide: Dates, Procedures, and Everything You Need to Know

Almosafer
Jan 14
5 min read

Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a profound spiritual obligation. Every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. It is a journey that embodies faith, unity, and total devotion to Allah.

In 2026 (1447 AH), with the continued evolution of the Nusuk Hajj platform, the process has become more organised and secure. Whether you are registering from within the UK or elsewhere globally, understanding the 2026 registration procedures is key to a smooth experience.

Pilgrims offering prayers at the Holy Kaaba in Masjid Al Haram — Masjid al-Haram, Makkah

Hajj 2026 Dates (Estimated)

Based on the Hijri calendar, Hajj 2026 is expected to take place around the following dates:

Start of Hajj (Day of Tarwiyah): Evening of Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Day of Arafah (The Pinnacle): Monday, 25 May 2026.
Eid al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice): Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
End of Hajj (Days of Tashreeq): Evening of Friday, 29 May 2026.

Note: These dates may vary slightly (by about 24 hours) depending on the official moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

Step-by-Step Hajj Guide for 2026

1. Registration via the "Nusuk Hajj" Platform

International Pilgrims: Registration must be completed exclusively via hajj.nusuk.sa. Dealing with unauthorised agencies has been phased out to ensure transparency and prevent fraud.
Domestic Pilgrims (KSA Residents): Registration is done via the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website or the "Nusuk" app.

2. Obtaining a Hajj Visa

A Hajj visa is distinct from a tourist or Umrah visa.
In 2026, visas are issued electronically through the Nusuk platform once a package is selected and paid for.
Warning: Entry to the Holy Sites (Masha’er) is strictly prohibited for those holding only a visit or tourist visa.

3. Health Requirements and Vaccinations

Mandatory: Meningococcal Meningitis (ACWY) vaccination.
2026 Recommendations: Seasonal flu jab and Polio vaccination (depending on your country of origin).
Vaccinations must be documented in an "International Certificate of Vaccination" and uploaded to the platform.

4. The "Nusuk Card"

For the 2026 season, the Nusuk Card (both digital and physical) is the only document that permits you to move between the holy sites (Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah) and enter the camps.

5. Travel Essentials

Pack light but smart: include Ihram garments, a reusable water bottle, a prayer mat, unscented toiletries, and a small medical kit.
Bring a notebook or app to keep track of rites, duas, and logistics.

Essential Rites of Hajj (Expanded Step-by-Step Guide)

Hajj rituals are deeply symbolic and follow the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Here's a breakdown of each key stage:

1. Ihram & Miqat

Ihram is a sacred state entered from one of five designated points (Miqat) around Makkah.
Men wear two white seamless cloths; women wear modest, unadorned clothing.
Before crossing Miqat, pilgrims make the Niyyah (intention) and recite Talbiyah: “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk...”
From this point, certain acts are prohibited (e.g., cutting hair/nails, intimacy, arguments).

2. Tawaf (Circumambulation)

Perform seven anti-clockwise circles around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone.
Each round symbolises devotion to Allah and the eternal nature of life’s spiritual journey.

3. Sa’i (Safa and Marwa)

Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, remembering Hagar’s desperate search for water.
Today, the route is enclosed and cooled, but the act remains a deeply emotional reflection of faith.

4. Arafah (Day of Standing – 9th Dhul Hijjah)

This is the pinnacle of Hajj. Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat, engaging in prayer and reflection from midday to sunset.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his Farewell Sermon here. Missing Arafah invalidates the Hajj.

5. Muzdalifah

After sunset, travel to Muzdalifah (without praying Maghrib at Arafat).
Combine Maghrib and Isha prayers, sleep under the open sky, and collect 49–70 pebbles for the next ritual.

6. Mina & Rami (Stoning of the Devil)

Over three days, stone the three pillars (Jamarat) representing Satan’s temptation of Ibrahim.
Pilgrims throw seven pebbles per pillar each day, symbolising their rejection of evil and worldly distractions.

7. Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice)

Symbolising Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, pilgrims offer an animal (usually a sheep or goat).
If part of a group package, this may be organised automatically.

8. Halq or Taqsir (Haircut)

Men shave their heads (Halq); women trim a small portion of their hair (Taqsir).
This act symbolises purification and renewal.

9. Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf, bidding farewell to the House of Allah.

What Is Nusuk Hajj?

Nusuk Hajj is a digital platform by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, streamlining the Hajj process for both local and international pilgrims. The platform allows:

Hajj groups to register and issue official Hajj permits
Authorities to verify permits, ensuring authenticity
Pilgrims to access a centralised system for packages and updates

Local Hajj Packages

Saudi residents can access dedicated packages for local Hajj via Nusuk. These are tailored to ensure a smooth, spiritually enriching journey with structured pricing and itineraries.

International Hajj Registration

For global Muslims, Nusuk offers tailored Hajj packages, accommodating diverse needs, including:

Budget vs. luxury accommodation
Group vs. individual travel preferences
Multi-language support for ease of registration

Hajj Visa Requirements

A valid Hajj visa is mandatory for foreign pilgrims. Here's what you need to know:

Eligibility

Must be Muslim and 18+
Women 45+ may go without a Mahram with proper documentation
Children must travel with parents/guardians

Documents Required

Completed visa form (via authorised agent)
Valid passport (6+ months)
Passport-size photo
Vaccination certificates (e.g., Meningitis, Polio)
Return flight ticket
Proof of relationship (for Mahram cases)

Note: Hajj visa processing typically takes 5 working days. These visas are not extendable.

Read more about:

Book Flights to Makkah with Almosafer

Book Hotels in Makkah with Almosafer

Frequently Asked Questions About Hajj 2026

Q1: When does actual registration for Hajj 2026 begin?

The "Data Update" and "Preference Selection" phases began in January 2026. It is highly recommended to complete your document verification early, before the final booking window opens.

Q2: Can women perform Hajj without a Mahram in 2026?

Yes, current regulations allow women to perform Hajj without a Mahram, provided they are part of a "safe group" or an official delegation, which is available through Nusuk packages.

Q3: What are the age limits for pilgrims?

For 2026, the minimum age to participate is 12 years old. Pilgrims must also be in good health to perform the physically demanding rites (those with advanced chronic illnesses may be restricted).

Q4: Do GCC citizens need a visa?

Citizens of GCC countries do not need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia, but they must obtain an official Hajj Permit through the designated channels in their respective countries. Performing Hajj without a permit carries heavy fines and deportation.

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