Historical record. Hajj 1447 AH ended on 30 May 2026. This final-week checklist is kept for reference and is no longer a live guide. For the pilgrimage season that is open now, see our Umrah 1448 AH season dates guide.
Hajj 2026 has finished. The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed 18 May 2026 as the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, which placed the Day of Arafah on Tuesday 26 May 2026 and Eid al-Adha on Wednesday 27 May 2026. The core rites ran from 25 to 30 May 2026. The checklist below is what pilgrims worked through in their final week, kept as a reference for the next season.
Your Final Week at a Glance
| Timeframe | Focus Area | Key Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Today (May 18) | First day of Dhul-Hijjah confirmed | Arafah: May 26 | Eid: May 27 |
| May 18–20 | Final packing and document check | Last chance to fix any missing documents |
| May 21 | Pilgrim arrivals deadline | International Hajj flights close after this date |
| May 25 | Hajj begins (8 Dhul Hijjah) | Depart Makkah for Mina |
| May 26 | Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah) | The most critical day of Hajj |
Documents and Permit: Final Check
Every document you need must be in order before you board your flight. Do not leave this until you arrive.
Verify your permit and Nusuk Card
Log into the Nusuk Hajj platform and confirm your permit status, package details, and accommodation assignment. The Nusuk Card is mandatory for all pilgrims — it is the sole document recognized to confirm your identity and legal authorization to perform Hajj.
What to pack in your document folder
Print and organize everything into a single waterproof pouch:
- Passport (valid through at least late June 2026) plus two photocopies
- Hajj visa printout
- Nusuk Card QR code (printed backup — network connectivity is unreliable near checkpoints)
- Vaccination certificates (meningitis ACWY, COVID-19, polio, yellow fever if applicable)
- Travel insurance policy with your insurer’s emergency hotline
- Hajj group leader’s contact details and accommodation address
Keep digital copies of everything in your phone and email as a fallback.
Makkah entry rules
Since April 13, 2026, no one can enter Makkah without an official permit — including residents and GCC nationals. Your Nusuk Card is your entry authorization.
Health Readiness for the Final Week
Hajj 2026 falls in late May, when Makkah temperatures reach 38–45°C (100–113°F). Heat exhaustion and dehydration are the leading causes of medical emergencies during the pilgrimage.
Vaccinations
The Saudi Ministry of Health mandates meningitis ACWY, COVID-19, and country-specific polio and yellow fever vaccinations. These should already be done — the meningitis vaccine needed to be administered at least 10 days before arrival. If you have not yet been vaccinated, contact your Hajj operator immediately for guidance before traveling.
Physical preparation
During Hajj, you will walk 10–15 kilometers in a single day, often in direct sun. The Day of Arafah involves 5–6 hours of continuous standing from noon until sunset.
For your remaining days before departure:
- Walk 3–5 km daily, ideally during the warmest part of the day to acclimatize
- Practice standing for extended periods — this simulates the Day of Arafah
- If you take regular medications, ensure you have a doctor’s letter and enough supply for the entire trip plus 5 extra days
Packing for Departure
Pack light — you will be moving between sites with your luggage. Prioritize function over quantity.
- Ihram garments (men) — two unstitched white cloths, plus a belt or pouch for valuables. Pack a spare set
- Modest, breathable clothing (women) — light-colored, loose-fitting layers. Avoid dark colors that absorb heat
- Comfortable, broken-in walking sandals — you will be removing shoes frequently at prayer sites
- Unscented toiletries — while in ihram, scented products are prohibited. Check soap, deodorant, lotion, and sunscreen
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide hat or umbrella, and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle and electrolyte sachets — water alone is not enough in 40°C+ heat
- A small first-aid kit: blister plasters, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, and prescribed medicines in original packaging
- Portable phone charger — you will rely on your Nusuk app throughout
Confirm Your Flights and Accommodation
International Hajj flights close after May 21 — if you have not yet traveled, this is your final window. Log into your airline’s app and verify your booking, seat assignment, and baggage allowance. Check our country-specific guides for the latest schedule updates:
- Hajj 2026 flights from India
- Hajj 2026 flights from Pakistan
- Hajj 2026 flights from Indonesia
- Full Hajj 2026 flight schedule (all countries)
Confirm your accommodation details on the Nusuk platform — know the exact address, check-in date, and distance from the Grand Mosque. Bookmark the Hajj 2026 Live Blog for real-time updates.
All Wego Hajj 2026 Guides
- Hajj 2026 News and Update — post-ceasefire status and the latest developments
- Is Hajj 2026 Safe? — security assessment and travel advisory summary
- Hajj Permit Check 2026 — how to verify your permit, Nusuk Card, and spot fakes
- Makkah Entry Permit 2026 — who needs one, exemptions, penalties, and checkpoint tips
- Can You Perform Hajj on a Visit Visa? — eligibility and restrictions
- Hajj 2026 Flight Schedule — key dates, airlines, and country-specific schedules
- Hajj and Umrah Rules Explained — ihram, vaccinations, conduct, and visa rules
- Hajj 2026 Prices — how the jet fuel crisis could affect costs
- Hajj 2026 Live Blog — real-time updates on permits, visas, and travel changes
- Eid al-Adha 2026 — dates, public holidays, and travel ideas
Need to search for flights to Jeddah or flights to Madinah? Compare prices and schedules on Wego.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly does Hajj 2026 start?
The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed on May 17 that Monday, May 18, is the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah. Hajj begins on May 25 (8 Dhul Hijjah), the Day of Arafah is May 26, and Eid al-Adha is May 27.
Is it too late to get the meningitis vaccine?
The recommended window has passed — the vaccine needed to be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. If you have not yet been vaccinated, contact your Hajj operator or travel clinic immediately for guidance before you travel.
Can I perform Umrah now that Hajj 2026 has finished?
Yes. The 1448 AH Umrah season opened on 31 May 2026, and Nusuk permits with Makkah entry have been available since 1 June 2026. The season runs until 7 April 2027. See our Umrah 2026 guide for full details.
How much walking does Hajj involve?
Expect 10–15 km per day on foot, often in direct sun. The Day of Arafah also involves 5–6 hours of continuous standing from noon until sunset. Walk daily in the days before departure to prepare.
Can children under 15 perform Hajj 2026?
Yes. Saudi Arabia briefly imposed a 15-year minimum age in early May 2026 but reversed the decision within days. The minimum age is 12 (born before March 1, 2014). Visas rejected under the short-lived rule have been reprocessed.
Sources
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Nusuk Hajj Platform
- Saudi Ministry of Health — Hajj Health Requirements 2026
- Al Arabiya — Saudi Arabia Confirms Dhul Hijjah Start and Eid al-Adha Date
- Voice of Emirates — Saudi Supreme Court Confirms 1st Dhul-Hijjah
- Gulf Business — Hajj 2026 Six-Hour Payment Deadline Announced
- Dawn — Saudi Arabia Reverses 15-Year Minimum Age for Hajj Pilgrims
- Nusuk — Hajj Health Guidelines
- CDC — Saudi Arabia: Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages
- Gulf News — Hajj 2026 Guide: What Every Pilgrim Should Know
- Khaleej Times — Saudi Arabia Restricts Entry to Makkah Ahead of Hajj 2026
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
