Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun issuing Hajj visas four months ahead of the pilgrimage season, marking an earlier start than in previous years as the kingdom prepares to welcome more than one million pilgrims to the Holy City of Makkah.
By Kate Birch
The ministry began processing visas on 8 February, part of a broader push to boost operational readiness and improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims. All service contracts covering the Holy Sites, along with accommodation arrangements via the official Nusuk digital platform, have now been finalised.
More than 750,000 pilgrims have already registered and 485 dedicated camps have been allocated to house them, as part of extensive safety and comfort measures.
Recent advancements under the government’s Pilgrim Experience Program include the introduction of e-visas and the high-speed Haramain train linking Jeddah’s airport with Makkah and Madinah, making travel smoother and more efficient. More
For more information, visit my.gov.sa/hajj-umrah
