RIYADH (Kashmir English): The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that the issuance of  Hajj 2026 visas will begin on February 8.

The ministry said that 100 percent of the contracts for all services provided to pilgrims coming from abroad have been completed, while all contracts related to accommodation in Mecca have been concluded through the Nasik platform.

According to the ministry, this process of issuing visas has been started earlier than usual, with the aim of completing Hajj arrangements on time and providing better facilities to pilgrims.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, 750,000 pilgrims have been registered so far, while 30,000 pilgrims have booked Hajj packages directly from their respective countries.

The ministry says that the issuance of visas at this early stage reflects the advance planning for Hajj, which will help to further streamline the arrangements and improve the efficiency of services provided to millions of pilgrims coming from around the world.

Pakistan announces major visa-related update

The Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs has made a significant announcement regarding the biometric process for Saudi visas for Hajj 2026 pilgrims.

A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed that pilgrims can now undertake their biometric process from the comfort of their homes using the “Saudi Visa Bio” app.

The ministry explained that the biometric process is a requirement for acquiring a Saudi Hajj visa. If pilgrims fail to undertake the process using the app, they will need to visit a nearby Saudi Tashir Center by February 8.

The spokesperson explained that pilgrims will not receive a Hajj visa if they fail to undertake the biometric process. For more information on the nearest Tashir Centers, pilgrims can also use the “Pak Hajj” mobile app.