Saudi Arabia opens Hajj visa applications four months early

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has begun issuing Hajj visas four months ahead of the pilgrimage season, marking an earlier start than in previous years as the kingdom prepares to welcome more than one million pilgrims to the Holy City of Makkah.

 

The ministry began processing visas on 8 February, part of a broader push to boost operational readiness and improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims. All service contracts covering the Holy Sites, along with accommodation arrangements via the official Nusuk digital platform, have now been finalised.

 

More than 750,000 pilgrims have already registered and 485 dedicated camps have been allocated to house them, as part of extensive safety and comfort measures.

 

Recent advancements under the government’s Pilgrim Experience Program include the introduction of e-visas and the high-speed Haramain train linking Jeddah’s airport with Makkah and Madinah, making travel smoother and more efficient.

 

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According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), 1,673,230 pilgrims performed Hajj in 2025, with international visitors accounting for 90% of the total, and 95% of those arriving by air.

 

Offering new travel options, Saudi’s Aroya Cruises recently launched a 13-night Hajj and Umrah itinerary from Malaysia to Jeddah, supporting the kingdom’s strategy to expand religious tourism. The halal-certified cruise combines onboard worship facilities with Islamic heritage experiences at ports including Banda Aceh, Oman and the Maldives.

 

Religious tourism remains a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Pilgrim numbers are projected to rise from 17.5 million in 2024 to 25 million in 2025, with a target of 30 million by 2030. To meet rising demand, the kingdom plans to add 320,000 new hotel rooms, including an estimated 221,000 across Makkah and Madinah.

 

In a recent milestone for hospitality growth, Hilton opened two new hotels in Makkah in January, doubling its presence in the Holy City to more than 4,100 rooms.

 

For more information, visit my.gov.sa/hajj-umrah