ISLAMABAD: Today marks the final deadline for intending Hajj pilgrims to complete their biometric verification through the Saudi Visa Bio App.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that pilgrims can conveniently complete the biometric process from home using the app, helping them avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

The spokesperson emphasized that Hajj visas will not be issued without biometric verification, although pilgrims aged over 80 years have been exempted from this requirement.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced that the issuance of visas for Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) will commence on February 8.

This announcement is part of a comprehensive operational calendar released by Hajj affairs offices, highlighting the ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen service preparedness and streamline arrangements ahead of the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom.

Preparations for Hajj 2026 began on June 8, 2025 (12 Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH), when initial planning documents were circulated among Hajj affairs offices worldwide.

In early Safar, these offices received detailed information regarding camps at the holy sites through the digital Nusk Masar platform, enabling enhanced planning, review, and coordination.

According to the schedule, preparatory contracting for accommodation and essential services will begin on 1 Rabi Al Awwal 1447 AH. October 12, 2025 has been set as the deadline for concluding preparatory meetings, finalizing operational data, and opening pilgrim registration in participating countries.

During Jumada Al Awwal, major service agreements will be signed, alongside the launch of a Hajj services exhibition aimed at strengthening cooperation between government institutions and private-sector service providers.