The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated that February 8, 2026, remains 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 20th March 2026 will continue to be the final date for visa processing.
The announcement was made during a virtual meeting with all Hajj-participating countries and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on 4th February 2026.
This is according to a Thursday release on X and retrieved by our correspondent on Monday.
The session, titled Official Schedule of Operations, was anchored by Mr. Abdallah Awad Alshehri, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, who emphasized the mandatory requirements that must be met before any pilgrims’ grouping would be considered valid for visa processing.
Alshehri stated that the registration process “must be completed before any pilgrims’ grouping would be considered satisfactory for processing of the Hajj visa.”
He highlighted that compliance with the Nusuk Masar platform requirements is critical for timely visa issuance.
Timely visa issuance
Key requirements discussed include the “payment of consolidated guarantees for all pilgrims, the identification, processing, and payment of Hadaya contracts” for pilgrims requiring sacrificial animals, and the proper categorisation of pilgrims under the Hajj rites.
Alshehri explained: “All pilgrims who choose to perform Hajj under the categories known as Tumattu’I and Qiran must be indicated and subsequently payment for their sacrificial animals (under the rite known as Hadaya) must be done through the Nusuk Masar except those who choose the option of fasting instead of sacrifice.”
Countries must ensure that pilgrims performing Hajj under the three categories—Ifrad, Tumattu’I, and Qiran—are clearly identified, while those opting for fasting instead of Hadaya are properly registered on the platform.
Another crucial requirement is the conclusion of a medical service contract on Nusuk Masar.
According to him, “This contract is to be signed with an accredited medical service provider domiciled in Saudi Arabia.”
Additionally, a “newly mandated backup accommodation contract” in Makkah must be booked for “1% of every country’s pilgrims’ quota.”
For instance, a country with 40,000 pilgrims would need to secure extra hotel space for roughly 400 individuals as a contingency.
Alshehri stressed that: “This accommodation must be booked on the Nusuk Masar before visa issuance would be possible.”
The ministry warned that all pilgrims and officials who have not had their passports captured on the platform risk missing Hajj 2026 if the 8th February deadline is not met.
Bilateral Air Service Agreement
In related discussions, the Saudi Arabian delegation in Nigeria confirmed that the “Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), which sets passenger-sharing formulas, will be fully enforced at 50/50 starting in 2027.”
For Hajj 2026, a 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, added: “Tour Operators were advised to devise means of ensuring their pilgrims travel and return within their visa validity period.”
Summary of Key Requirements for Hajj 2026 Registration and Visa Processing:
1. Submission of pilgrims’ data and group formation on Nusuk Masar by 8th February 2026.
2. Payment of consolidated guarantees for all pilgrims.
3. Identification, processing, and payment of Hadaya contracts for pilgrims under Tumattu’I and Qiran rites; fasting alternatives must be registered.
4. Clear categorisation of pilgrims under Ifrad, Tumattu’I, and Qiran.
5. Execution of a medical service contract with an accredited Saudi provider.
6. Booking of backup accommodation in Makkah for 1% of the country’s pilgrims’ quota.
7. Adherence to bilateral air service agreements and visa regulations; tour operators must ensure pilgrims return within visa validity.
