Hajj & Umrah 2026: New Nusuk Rules for Pilgrims

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has released an updated "Umrah and Visit Guide" available in 16 languages, laying out the latest regulatory, operational, and service guidelines for Umrah and visit pilgrims for 2026. The bulletin also sets clear requirements for the Hajj 1447–1448 AH season.

Under the new rules, pilgrims must arrange Hajj and Umrah packages, visas, transport, accommodation, catering, camp reservations at Mina and Arafat, and sacrificial rites exclusively through the Nusuk and Masar Nusuk digital platforms. Any payments made off-platform will not be recognized.

Permits and Makkah entry

For Hajj 2026, permits and visas for international pilgrims are issued only through Nusuk, and a valid Hajj permit is mandatory to enter Makkah during the restricted period. Entry without one may lead to denial of entry and possible fines, jail, or deportation. During the Hajj security period, entry to Makkah is limited to holders of a Hajj permit, a Makkah residency ID (iqama), or a work permit for the holy sites.

Umrah visa holders for the 2026 season had a final entry date in early April and were required to leave Makkah by mid-April, as Umrah visas do not cover staying through the Hajj period. A Nusuk card is required to enter the Grand Mosque and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during the Hajj operational period.

Health certificates and sacrificial rites

Medical fitness certificates are now a basic requirement for issuing Hajj visas and must be approved electronically through the Masar Nusuk platform before a visa is granted. All financial and administrative transactions for pilgrim services must go through Masar Nusuk, and dealings with unauthorized entities are prohibited. The Adahi Project is the sole authorized channel for Hajj Qurbani payments; private arrangements with farmers or unlicensed vendors are not permitted.

Foreign Hajj agencies must reserve Mina and Arafat camps by the set global deadline and pay deposits via Nusuk Masar, upload staff data before the Rajab deadlines, and complete flight slot bookings before mid-Rajab. Only licensed Saudi operators may provide accommodation, transport, catering, and ritual services. The measures aim to streamline services and protect pilgrims from unauthorized dealings.

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