The Hajj 2026 process has entered a critical phase as Saudi Arabia officially announced February 8 as the start date for Hajj visa issuance, while Pakistan has set the same date as the final deadline for completing mandatory biometric verification.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, all intending pilgrims must complete their biometrics by February 8 to qualify for a Hajj visa. The ministry emphasized that biometric verification is compulsory and no visa will be issued without it.
To simplify the process, pilgrims can complete fingerprint verification from home using the official Saudi Visa Bio mobile application. Authorities have urged applicants to prioritize the app to avoid congestion at biometric centers.
For those unable to use the mobile application, Tasheer Centers across Pakistan will remain open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, providing in-person biometric services. The ministry warned that delays may result in visa rejection due to strict timelines.
However, pilgrims aged above 80 years have been exempted from the biometric requirement, offering relief to senior applicants.
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Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that Hajj 2026 visa issuance will begin on February 8, earlier than usual, as part of advanced planning to improve pilgrim services and ensure smooth arrangements.
Saudi officials stated that 100 percent of service contracts for international pilgrims have already been finalized, while all accommodation arrangements in Makkah have been completed through the Nusuk platform. So far, 750,000 pilgrims have completed registration, and 30,000 pilgrims have booked Hajj packages directly from their home countries.
The early launch of the visa process reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to streamlining Hajj operations and enhancing facilities for millions of pilgrims worldwide.
In a significant development for Pakistani pilgrims, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Hajj Agreement 2026 in Jeddah, ensuring high-quality services and improved facilities. The agreement was signed by Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj Abdul Fattah bin Suleiman and Pakistan’s Secretary for Religious Affairs Atta-ur-Rehman, in the presence of senior officials from both countries.
Pakistani authorities welcomed Saudi Arabia’s cooperation, expressing confidence that Hajj 2026 arrangements will provide better accommodation, transport, and overall services for pilgrims.
Officials on both sides have urged pilgrims to complete biometric verification promptly to avoid last-minute issues, as timelines for Hajj 2026 are strictly enforced.
