What is meant by local Hajj?
Every year, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reserves a dedicated quota for pilgrims registering from inside the Kingdom. This domestic quota covers Saudi citizens and expatriate residents on valid iqamas.
Preparations for Hajj 1447 AH/2026 are in their final stages. Registration for domestic pilgrims opened on 23 February 2026, with package selection and payment starting from 4 March 2026. Bookings are handled exclusively through the Nusuk Hajj platform and the Nusuk app — no third-party agent is authorized to register pilgrims. For a full walkthrough of the Nusuk registration process, see our guide to the Nusuk Hajj platform.
Hajj 2026 key dates
The Saudi Supreme Court confirms Hajj dates each year after the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent. Based on the Umm al-Qura calendar, the following dates apply for Hajj 1447 AH/2026. A one-day shift remains possible.
| Milestone | Hijri date | Gregorian date |
|---|---|---|
| Yawm al-Tarwiyah (Hajj begins) | 8 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | Monday, 25 May 2026 |
| Day of Arafah | 9 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | Tuesday, 26 May 2026 |
| Eid Al Adha | 10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | Wednesday, 27 May 2026 |
| Days of Tashreeq | 11–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 | 28–30 May 2026 |
For more on the significance of the Day of Arafah, visit our dedicated Arafat Day 2026 guide.
Who can register for local Hajj 2026?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set specific eligibility conditions for domestic pilgrims registering through Nusuk this season.
Citizens and residents
Applicants must be Saudi citizens or expatriates holding a valid iqama. For residents, priority is given to those whose iqama was issued more than one Gregorian year before the registration date.
Age requirement
Applicants must be at least 15 years old (Gregorian age) at the time of registration. This is a change from earlier seasons when the minimum age was 12.
For a full breakdown of age rules — including the companion requirement for pilgrims over 65 — see our Hajj age limit 2026 article.
Health conditions
Pilgrims must meet the Ministry of Health’s approved conditions. This means being free from serious chronic or infectious diseases, holding up-to-date mandatory vaccinations, and submitting a medical fitness declaration signed by a licensed healthcare provider.
For the 2026 season, pilgrims with advanced heart failure, kidney failure requiring dialysis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring oxygen support will not be cleared. Women in the last two months of pregnancy are also excluded.
First-time priority
The Ministry continues to prioritize those who have not previously performed Hajj. This priority applies from the opening of registration until the end of Shawwal 1447 AH. If seats remain after that window, registration is opened to other eligible applicants.
Mandatory vaccinations for Hajj 2026
Two vaccines are compulsory for all pilgrims entering the Hajj areas this season:
- Quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine (ACYW) — compulsory for all pilgrims aged one year or older, administered at least 10 days before arrival. Polysaccharide vaccines remain valid for three years; conjugate vaccines for five years.
- COVID-19 vaccination — pilgrims must show proof of at least one updated 2025–2026 season dose, completion of a primary vaccination series (two or more doses from 2021–2024), or laboratory-confirmed recovery from COVID-19 during 2025.
The seasonal influenza vaccine is also strongly recommended at least 10 days before arrival, particularly for pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions. For a comprehensive look at all health requirements, see our Hajj 2026 vaccine and health requirements guide.
How to register through Nusuk
Registration and booking for local Hajj are completed entirely through the Nusuk Hajj platform or the Nusuk app, available on Google Play, the App Store, and AppGallery.
- Download the Nusuk app or visit the portal and create an account.
- Complete your personal information and verify eligibility (citizenship or iqama status, age, and first-time priority).
- Browse the official 2026 Hajj packages and select one.
- Complete payment through SADAD to issue your Hajj permit.
Contracts must be completed only through licensed companies registered on the Nusuk platform. For a step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, read our full Nusuk Hajj registration guide.
Local Hajj 2026 packages and costs
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has rolled out four domestic package tiers for the 1447 AH/2026 season, available through Nusuk.
| Package | Starting price (SAR) | Location and features |
|---|---|---|
| Al-Diyafah Camp | From SAR 8,092 | Hospitality camps in Mina with shared accommodation — the most economical option. |
| Upgraded Mina Camps | From SAR 10,366 | High-end camps in Mina with upscale services and shared accommodation (transportation excluded). |
| Kidana Al-Wadi Towers | From SAR 12,537 | Modern tower accommodation with shared facilities, personal services, and meals. |
| Six Towers (Mina) | From SAR 13,150 | Shared accommodation in six towers near the Jamarat Bridge — premium Mina location. |
Prices vary by duration and service level. The full catalog is available inside the Nusuk app.
Payment deadlines
After a package is reserved, the payment window is 72 hours until 27 Dhul Qi’dah 1447 AH (around mid-May 2026). From 28 Dhul Qi’dah onward, the window drops to just six hours. Bookings are automatically canceled if payment is not received in time.
Cancellation policy for Hajj 2026
Cancellations are processed through the Masar platform or the Nusuk app. The fee deduction schedule is:
- Before permit issuance (up to 30 Shawwal 1447 AH) — no amount deducted.
- If the permit is rejected by the Ministry of Interior — only the electronic service fee of SAR 67.85 per pilgrim is deducted.
- After the permit is issued, from 1 Dhul Qi’dah until the end of Dhul Qi’dah — 10% of the contract value is deducted.
- From 1 Dhul Hijjah until the platform closes — 100% of the contract value is deducted.
Refunds for eligible cancellations are deposited within 7 to 14 days. Full refunds may also apply in specific circumstances such as the death of the main applicant or a documented traffic accident preventing the pilgrimage.
Hajj permit and Makkah entry rules
A valid Hajj permit is mandatory. Performing Hajj without one carries fines of up to SAR 20,000, with steeper penalties for facilitators. For details on how to apply for and verify your permit, see our Hajj permit 2026 guide and our Hajj permit verification guide.
During the Hajj 1447 AH season, from 13 April to 31 May 2026, entry into Makkah was restricted to individuals holding one of the following:
- A valid Hajj permit issued through Nusuk
- A Makkah residency ID (iqama linked to a Makkah address)
- A work permit issued for the Holy Sites
Residents working in Makkah can apply for entry permits digitally, through Absher Individuals or the Muqeem portal. Those restrictions have since been lifted. The 1448 AH Umrah season opened on 31 May 2026, with Makkah entry and Nusuk permits available from 1 June 2026. For a comprehensive breakdown of who needs a permit, who is exempt, and how to apply, read our Makkah entry permit 2026 guide.
Transport for local pilgrims
The Transport General Authority and Saudi Arabia Railways have expanded Hajj 2026 capacity considerably.
More than 33,000 buses and 5,000 taxis have been mobilized to move pilgrims between the holy sites. Saudi Arabia has also launched its first fully electric bus rapid transit network, the Masar BRT, adding more than 400 electric buses to the Hajj fleet.
The Mashair Train will run more than 2,000 scheduled trips across its nine stations on the 18 km line connecting Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, with total capacity for more than two million pilgrims.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway between Makkah and Madinah (via Jeddah) has been scheduled for 5,308 journeys with a combined capacity of over 2.2 million seats this season. Hajj transport operations on the line began on 5 May 2026, with initial departures from the King Abdulaziz International Airport station in Jeddah.
What to expect on the ground
Pilgrims staying in Ministry camps in Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat are served through structured meal schedules set by camp operators. Exact meal times are communicated through the package operator and the Nusuk app.
Temperatures in Makkah in late May regularly exceed 40°C. Saudi authorities have expanded misting stations, shaded walkways, and cooling-coated roads between the holy sites. Pilgrims are advised to carry electrolytes, wear breathable clothing, and use a sturdy umbrella.
For a detailed packing and preparation guide, see our Hajj 2026 last-minute checklist.
Looking ahead to Hajj 2027
Based on the Umm al-Qura calendar, Hajj 1448 AH/2027 is expected to fall in mid-May 2027, with the Day of Arafah around 15 May 2027 and Eid Al Adha around 16 May 2027. Exact dates will be confirmed by the Saudi Supreme Court after the Dhul Hijjah moon sighting.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to perform the local Hajj in 2026?
Yes. A valid Hajj permit, issued through the Nusuk Hajj platform once your booking and payment are confirmed, is required. Performing Hajj without a permit carries a fine of up to SAR 20,000. See our Hajj permit 2026 guide for details.
Can I register for local Hajj through a travel agent?
No. Registration and package selection for domestic pilgrims are completed exclusively through the Nusuk Hajj platform or the Nusuk app.
What is the cheapest local Hajj 2026 package?
The most economical option is the Al-Diyafah Camp package, starting from SAR 8,092, with shared accommodation in hospitality camps in Mina.
When is the Day of Arafah in 2026?
The Day of Arafah is expected on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, with Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Final dates are confirmed after the Dhul Hijjah crescent sighting. Read more in our Arafat Day 2026 guide.
Can residents under 15 perform local Hajj in 2026?
No. The minimum Gregorian age for registration is 15 years. Pilgrims over 65 should register alongside a companion aged 18 to 60. See our Hajj age limit 2026 article for full details.
What happens if I cancel my Hajj booking after the permit is issued?
From 1 Dhul Qi’dah to end of Dhul Qi’dah, 10% of the contract value is deducted. From 1 Dhul Hijjah onward, the full contract value is deducted. Refunds are processed within 7 to 14 days.
Can I perform Hajj 2026 on a visit visa?
No. Visit visa holders are not eligible for Hajj 2026. For a detailed explanation, see our article on performing Hajj on a visit visa.
Sources
- Nusuk Hajj Platform — Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Official Portal
- Nusuk Hajj — Package Categories
- Saudi Ministry of Health — Hajj Health Requirements 2026
- Arab News — Haramain high-speed rail boosts Hajj capacity to 2.2 million seats
- Arab News — Saudi Arabia launches Hajj packages for domestic pilgrims via Nusuk
- Khaleej Times — Saudi Arabia halts Umrah visas, restricts Makkah entry for Hajj 2026
- The Saudi Times — Makkah entry e-permits through Absher and Muqeem
- Hajj Reporters — Saudi transport plan for 2026 Hajj pilgrims
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.
