Pakistan Hajj Policy 2026 Registration Complete Guide

Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy 2026 with several changes aimed at affordability, safety, and smoother travel. The big headlines: a 179,210 national quota (split between Government and Private schemes), under-12 not permitted (Saudi safety directive), and the return of a short (20–25 days) Hajj package alongside the traditional long stay. The government also retained the Sponsorship Scheme for overseas Pakistanis who pay in USD and skip balloting (limited seats, first-come first-served).

Saudi authorities, reacting to last year’s extreme heat, have emphasized crowd-safety measures and confirmed a ban on children under 12 for 2026. Pakistan has aligned its policy accordingly. Expect enhanced health guidance, pre-departure immigration at Islamabad and Karachi under Road to Makkah, and mandatory vaccinations.

Hajj 2026 Dates

• Evening of Sun, May 24, 2026 – Fri, May 29, 2026

Hajj 2026 Policy Pakistan

1) Quota & Allocation

Saudi Arabia allotted 179,210 Hajj slots to Pakistan for 2026. Pakistan divides this equally between the Government scheme and Private operators.

2) Government Packages & Costs

For 2026, the Ministry announced two durations under the Government scheme:

• Long package (≈38–42 days): ~Rs 1,075,000
• Short package (≈20–25 days): ~Rs 1,150,000 (shorter stay often has higher airfare/premium accommodation/expedited logistics).

3) Payment in Installments (Govt Scheme)

For the first time, Pakistan rolled out a three-installment option via designated banks (e.g., Rs 200,000 with form; +Rs 400,000 within 10 days of balloting; balance by the February deadline used in 2026). Check your bank’s exact schedule.

4) Eligibility (Who Can Apply)

• Pakistani passport valid through the Hajj season and per Ministry timelines.
• Age: Children under 12 cannot perform Hajj 2026 (Saudi safety rule).
• Medical fitness per Saudi/Ministry guidance (heat, mobility, chronic conditions must be considered).

Women Pilgrims & Mehram

Saudi Arabia’s rule now allows women to perform Hajj without a mahram (globally). Pakistan’s policy, in practice, requires spousal or parental consent when women apply without a mahram (affidavit/undertaking per Ministry/CII guidance). Always follow the latest Ministry instructions during registration.

What You Need to Do Next

• Valid CNIC & Passport (per Ministry validity date).
• Vaccines: ACWY, Polio (as required), seasonal flu.
• Payments: Follow your bank’s installment schedule exactly.
• Biometrics: Etimad centre or Saudi Visa Bio app as instructed.
• Training: Attend official Hajj training; note helplines and OPAP support points.

5) Sponsorship Scheme (Overseas Pakistanis, USD)

• Seats: 5,000 under Govt quota.
• How it works: Pay full Hajj dues in USD remitted from abroad (not from local FC accounts), no balloting, first-come first-served.
• 2026 window: There is no USD Sponsorship scheme in 2026. Overseas Pakistanis must apply through the Regular Government Scheme via bank-appointed representatives.

6) How to Apply Govt Scheme?

• Where: Designated banks and official portal (applyonline.hajjinfo.org).
• Documents: CNIC, Passport, Photos, Medical/fitness forms, payments per schedule.
• Balloting: Govt accepted many applications in 2026; in some phases, all applications were approved due to available seats—watch official notices.

7) Travel & “Road to Makkah” (Pre-Departure Immigration)

For 2026, Saudi teams handled pre-clearance immigration at Islamabad and Karachi (eight counters at Jinnah Int’l), saving hours on arrival. Pakistan’s Hajj flights began late April for the main waves.

8) Health, Vaccinations & Heat Safety

• Vaccines: Meningococcal ACWY (mandatory), Polio (for polio-risk countries incl. Pakistan—must show proof; OPV on arrival policy may apply), and seasonal flu (recommended).
• Timing: Complete vaccines ahead of departure per advisories.
• Heat: Official guidance stresses hydration, umbrellas, light clothing, and avoiding peak heat.

9) Biometrics & Visa

Hajj visas require biometric enrollment—historically at Etimad centres across Pakistan; in 2026 many pilgrims also used the Saudi Visa Bio app guided by the Ministry. Follow the Ministry’s SMS/portal schedule for your cohort.

10) Government vs Private: Which to choose?

• Government Scheme: transparent pricing, training, OPAP support in KSA, fixed packages & tents.
• Private Operators: flexibility in hotels/locations/services; prices vary—verify operator’s Saudi licensing & Pakistan HOAP membership; read inclusions carefully (Qurbani, transport in Mashair, meals).

FAQs

Q1) What is Pakistan’s Hajj quota for 2026?
A: 179,210 pilgrims, split 50:50 between Government and Private schemes.

Q2) How much did the Government Hajj package cost in 2026?
A: About Rs 1,075,000 (long) and Rs 1,150,000 (short). Private packages vary.

Q3) Is there a 3-installment plan?
A: Yes—introduced for 2026 via designated banks; check your bank’s exact schedule.

Q4) Can children go for Hajj 2026?
A: No. Saudi Arabia banned under-12 from Hajj 2026; Pakistan’s policy follows this.

Q5) Who qualifies for the Sponsorship Scheme?
A: Overseas Pakistanis paying USD from abroad (not local FC accounts); 5,000 seats, no balloting, first-come first-served. Window for 2026 was Nov 18–Dec 3, 2024.

Q6) Can women perform Hajj without a mahram from Pakistan?
A: Saudi policy allows women without a mahram; Pakistan requires spousal/parental consent/undertaking for such cases. Follow Ministry instructions during registration.

Q7) What vaccines do I need?
A: Meningitis (ACWY) is mandatory; Polio proof for Pakistan travelers; flu recommended.

Q8) What is Road to Makkah and do I benefit?
A: Pre-departure Saudi immigration at Pakistan airports—Islamabad & Karachi operated in 2026—so you land like a domestic passenger in KSA.

Q9) Where do I apply?
A: Via designated banks and the official portal (applyonline.hajjinfo.org) when windows open; check Ministry notices for dates.

Q10) Was balloting strict in 2026?
A: In late 2024 announcements, the Ministry said all applications under the Government scheme were accepted at one point due to seat availability; still, always watch official updates.