Indonesia Joins Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, India, Egypt and more as Saudi Arabia Begins Issuing Hajj Visa For 2026 with Millions Of Pilgrims Preparing For The Sacred Journey To Mecca

Indonesia joins Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, India, Egypt, and many other countries in getting ready for the holy trip to Mecca as Saudi Arabia starts issuing Hajj visas for 2026. Beginning on February 8, 2026, the early visa issuance is an essential step in guaranteeing the seamless arrival of millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Saudi Arabia is facilitating the planning of the pilgrimage, which is anticipated to be one of the biggest gatherings in history, by granting visas months in advance. The procedure demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s attempts to manage the pilgrims’ influx, simplify logistics, and guarantee a well-planned, respectful, and safe experience for everyone.

The pilgrimage of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred journey that millions of Muslims around the world undertake each year to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. For 2026, Saudi Arabia has officially begun issuing Hajj visas, with pilgrims from across the globe eagerly preparing to embark on this momentous spiritual journey. This early issuance of visas, beginning on February 8, 2026, sets the stage for the expected influx of millions of pilgrims, with countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, India, Egypt, and many others joining the worldwide rush to fulfill one of Islam’s most important obligations.

What is Hajj and Why is it Important?

Hajj is a pilgrimage that Muslims are required to undertake once in their lifetime, provided they meet certain criteria, including financial capability and physical health. Taking place annually during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Hajj involves a series of rituals including prayers, the Tawaf (walking around the Kaaba), standing in Arafat (a significant moment of reflection), and symbolic acts of sacrifice and worship. It represents not only a deep act of faith but also a chance for Muslims to unite with fellow believers, regardless of nationality, language, or ethnicity. Hajj culminates in one of the most significant gatherings on Earth, bringing together millions of Muslims from diverse backgrounds to worship in unison at the sacred sites of Mecca, Mina, and Arafat.

For 2026, the pilgrimage is expected to take place between May 24 to 29, though the exact dates will be confirmed following the moon sighting in the month of Dhul Hijjah. Despite the actual dates still being confirmed, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun the process of issuing Hajj visas months in advance, a significant step in ensuring smooth logistics for the world’s largest annual gathering of people.

The Hajj Visa Process Begins

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia initiated the Hajj Visa process on February 8, 2026. This marks an important milestone in the preparation for the 2026 pilgrimage season. Hajj visas are typically issued four months before the actual pilgrimage, with countries receiving a specific quota based on the Muslim population in each region. This approach allows the Saudi authorities to manage and streamline the pilgrimage experience, making arrangements for services, accommodations, and logistical support to accommodate the large number of international pilgrims.

The decision to start issuing visas early reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing the Hajj experience and ensuring all pilgrims have access to safe and dignified accommodations and services during their stay. With the significant growth in the number of pilgrims in recent years, Saudi Arabia’s preparedness for the influx of pilgrims from all over the world is crucial.

Pilgrims Ready for the Sacred Journey

Every year, millions of Muslims prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj has already allocated visa quotas to countries based on the number of Muslims residing in each nation. Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population in the world, has been allotted the highest number of visas, followed by Pakistan, India, and several others. These allocations ensure that pilgrims from all over the world have an opportunity to fulfill this important religious obligation.

As of early February 2026, more than 750,000 pilgrims had already registered for Hajj. In total, Saudi Arabia is expecting up to 2 million pilgrims to arrive for the pilgrimage, making Hajj 2026 one of the largest gatherings in history. This vast number of pilgrims comes from a diverse range of countries, all eager to undertake this spiritual journey.

Top Countries Sending Pilgrims to Hajj 2026

The global significance of Hajj is reflected in the countries sending the largest number of pilgrims to Mecca for Hajj 2026. The following nations are expected to send significant numbers of pilgrims, with each country allocated a specific number of visas based on its Muslim population.

Here is a list of countries with their allotted Hajj visa quotas for 2026:

• Indonesia
  With the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia is allotted the highest number of Hajj visas, approximately 221,000. This makes Indonesia the largest contributor to the 2026 pilgrimage, with millions of Indonesian Muslims expected to take part in the sacred journey.
• Pakistan
  As the second-largest Muslim population, Pakistan has been allocated 179,210 visas for Hajj 2026. Pakistan is a key player in the pilgrimage, with a large number of Muslims seeking to fulfill their religious duty each year.
• India
  India, home to around 25 crore Muslims, has been allocated 175,025 Hajj visas for 2026. With a significant Muslim population spread across the country, India’s Hajj pilgrims are expected to make up one of the largest contingents for the 2026 pilgrimage.
• Bangladesh
  With a sizable Muslim population, Bangladesh is expected to send 127,000 pilgrims to Hajj 2026. The country has a well-established system for pilgrims, with organized travel packages making the pilgrimage accessible to many Bangladeshis.
• Nigeria
  Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has a large Muslim population and will send around 95,000 pilgrims in 2026. The Nigerian Hajj community is among the largest from sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting the nation’s commitment to the pilgrimage.
• Iran
  Iran, with its substantial Muslim population, is allotted 87,550 Hajj visas. Despite political challenges, Iran remains a significant contributor to the Hajj pilgrimage, with thousands of pilgrims set to travel to Mecca.
• Egypt
  Egypt’s Muslim population makes up a large portion of the pilgrimage, and for 2026, the country is expected to send 80,000 pilgrims. Egypt’s rich cultural and religious heritage makes it a key part of the global Hajj community.
• Turkey
  With its historical and spiritual significance, Turkey sends 70,000 pilgrims to Hajj each year. Turkey’s Muslims are known for their strong connection to Islamic traditions, making their participation in the pilgrimage an essential part of the Hajj experience.
• Algeria
  Algeria, with its large Muslim population, is expected to send 40,000 pilgrims to Hajj 2026. The country has a strong tradition of Hajj participation, with many Algerians undertaking the journey each year.
• Other Countries
  Other nations with significant Muslim populations, such as Jordan, Sudan, Morocco, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia’s neighbors, will also be sending thousands of pilgrims. Each country’s allocation is based on its Muslim population, and Saudi Arabia has made preparations to accommodate them all.

Preparations for Hajj 2026

As the pilgrimage season approaches, preparations on the ground are well underway. Authorities in Saudi Arabia have allocated approximately 485 camps for international pilgrims in the holy sites of Mina and Arafat. These camps will house pilgrims during key rituals such as the day of Arafat, where Muslims gather for prayers and supplications.

Additionally, the Nusuk platform has been used to finalize service contracts for international pilgrims, including accommodation in Mecca, food services, and transportation. This digital platform streamlines the booking process and ensures transparency, reducing the chances of disorder and confusion during the pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Hajj has also confirmed that the first groups of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on April 18, 2026, marking the start of the final operational phase. In the coming months, pre-arrival readiness data will be collected, and visa processes will be completed, ensuring that everything runs smoothly when the pilgrimage officially begins in May.

Embracing Technology for a Better Experience

The Saudi authorities have implemented several technological advancements to improve the Hajj experience for pilgrims. The Nusuk Masar and electronic wallets are being used to manage financial transactions, service contracts, and data submission. These technologies are expected to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the Hajj process, making the pilgrimage smoother for both pilgrims and service providers.

The role of these technological tools cannot be understated, as they aim to reduce the potential for errors, streamline communication, and ensure that pilgrims are well taken care of. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj has urged all service providers and Hajj affairs offices to comply fully with the approved schedules to guarantee the safe, efficient, and dignified experience that pilgrims expect.

As Saudi Arabia begins issuing Hajj visas for 2026, Indonesia joins Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, India, Egypt, and more, allowing millions of pilgrims to prepare early for the sacred journey to Mecca. This proactive step ensures smooth logistics and ample time for travel arrangements, marking the start of a well-organized and efficient pilgrimage season.

With millions of Muslims around the world preparing to undertake the sacred journey to Mecca, the commencement of the Hajj visa process marks a significant step in the preparations for Hajj 2026. Countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Egypt, and many others are ready to send their citizens to Saudi Arabia to participate in the pilgrimage of a lifetime. As the Hajj season draws near, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to organizing a safe and dignified pilgrimage for pilgrims of all nationalities remains a priority, ensuring that this important religious duty can be fulfilled by Muslims around the world with ease and grace.

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