Saudi Arabia Opens 2026 Hajj Visa Process as Hundreds of Thousands of Indian Pilgrims Prepare to Apply
Early launch of the visa window highlights Riyadh’s streamlined Hajj planning, with India expected to submit around seven hundred and fifty thousand applications
Saudi Arabia has formally opened the visa application window for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, marking an early start to preparations for one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
Authorities expect strong global demand, with officials in India estimating that around seven hundred and fifty thousand pilgrims will apply to perform the Hajj next year, making India one of the largest sources of pilgrims to the holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
The early opening of the visa process reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to enhance organisation, safety and efficiency for pilgrims under a comprehensive modernisation programme for Hajj and Umrah services.
The kingdom has invested heavily in digital platforms, crowd management systems, transport infrastructure and accommodation capacity to ensure a smoother experience for millions of worshippers arriving from around the world.
Indian authorities have begun coordinating with Saudi counterparts to manage the expected volume of applications, including arrangements through both government quotas and private tour operators.
The process typically involves biometric registration, health documentation and travel planning, with officials urging prospective pilgrims to apply early to avoid delays.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has emphasised that early applications help authorities allocate services more effectively and maintain high safety standards.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has expanded facilities at key holy sites and introduced technology-driven services to reduce congestion and improve pilgrim welfare.
These measures have been widely credited with enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience while maintaining strict security and health protocols.
The kingdom has also strengthened bilateral coordination with major pilgrim-sending countries, including India, to ensure clear communication and efficient processing.
With the 2026 Hajj season now officially underway from an administrative perspective, Saudi officials have reaffirmed their commitment to hosting pilgrims with professionalism and care, underscoring the central role of the Hajj in the kingdom’s religious responsibilities and its broader vision for service excellence.
Authorities expect strong global demand, with officials in India estimating that around seven hundred and fifty thousand pilgrims will apply to perform the Hajj next year, making India one of the largest sources of pilgrims to the holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
The early opening of the visa process reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to enhance organisation, safety and efficiency for pilgrims under a comprehensive modernisation programme for Hajj and Umrah services.
The kingdom has invested heavily in digital platforms, crowd management systems, transport infrastructure and accommodation capacity to ensure a smoother experience for millions of worshippers arriving from around the world.
Indian authorities have begun coordinating with Saudi counterparts to manage the expected volume of applications, including arrangements through both government quotas and private tour operators.
The process typically involves biometric registration, health documentation and travel planning, with officials urging prospective pilgrims to apply early to avoid delays.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has emphasised that early applications help authorities allocate services more effectively and maintain high safety standards.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has expanded facilities at key holy sites and introduced technology-driven services to reduce congestion and improve pilgrim welfare.
These measures have been widely credited with enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience while maintaining strict security and health protocols.
The kingdom has also strengthened bilateral coordination with major pilgrim-sending countries, including India, to ensure clear communication and efficient processing.
With the 2026 Hajj season now officially underway from an administrative perspective, Saudi officials have reaffirmed their commitment to hosting pilgrims with professionalism and care, underscoring the central role of the Hajj in the kingdom’s religious responsibilities and its broader vision for service excellence.
