Overview
- Biometric verification is compulsory for Hajj 2026 visas, with officials urging pilgrims to use the Saudi Visa Bio app and warning that visas will not be issued without completion.
- Pilgrims unable to enroll through the app must complete biometrics at a Saudi Tasheer Centre by February 8, with centre details available in the Pak Hajj mobile app.
- Mandatory Hajj training is being conducted nationwide in two phases, with the first running until February 14 and the second scheduled after Ramadan.
- Pakistan’s allocation for 2026 is 179,210 pilgrims, with about 120,000 under the government scheme and roughly 60,000 via private operators following completed registrations.
- Preparations include competitively finalized food and transport contracts and an expanded Road to Makkah initiative, with about 38,000 pilgrims expected to depart from Islamabad.