Egypt has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj season through its Ministry of Interior lottery system, known as Hajj al-Qura. According to Egyptian officials, applications are being accepted from August 12 to 27, 2026, marking the start of domestic sign-up for the 1448 AH pilgrimage.

The lottery is one of the main routes through which Egyptians secure a place for Hajj, alongside tourism and other approved schemes. With demand far exceeding the country's allocated quota, a random draw is used to allocate the limited spots fairly among applicants.

How the lottery works

Under the Hajj al-Qura system, prospective pilgrims register during the official window and are then entered into a random selection process. Because the number of applicants each year is far higher than the seats available, being drawn is not guaranteed, and many applicants reapply across successive seasons.

Egyptian authorities have in recent years expanded services attached to the lottery scheme, including arrangements for the transportation and movement of pilgrims once they arrive in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Interior coordinates the domestic side of the process, from registration through to departure.

Part of a wider 2027 timetable

Egypt's move is one of many national registration drives now under way for the 2027 season. Saudi Arabia has opened planning talks with more than 75 countries for Hajj 1448 AH, and several nations have begun their own sign-up processes. Pakistan opened mandatory registration for its government scheme, while Bangladesh and other countries have announced package details and pricing.

Hajj 1448 AH is expected to fall in mid-May 2027, with the Day of Tarwiyah, 8 Dhul-Hijjah, anticipated around May 14. Early registration windows like Egypt's are designed to give authorities time to finalise numbers, allocate quotas and arrange accommodation, transport and catering well ahead of the season.

Saudi Arabia has also announced a series of reforms for the 2027 season, including an integrated service model that bundles accommodation, transport and catering into unified packages, and a restructuring of package tiers. These changes will shape how national missions, including Egypt's, organise their pilgrims once quotas are confirmed.

Practical tips for applicants

Egyptians hoping to perform Hajj in 2027 through the lottery should keep the following in mind:

  • Register within the official window. Applications for the Hajj al-Qura lottery are open from August 12 to 27, 2026; late submissions are not accepted.
  • Use official channels only. Register through the Ministry of Interior's designated process rather than unofficial intermediaries.
  • Prepare documents early. Have identification and any required health and eligibility paperwork ready before applying.
  • Plan for the draw. Selection is random, so applicants should be prepared for the possibility of not being drawn and for reapplying in future seasons.
  • Follow health requirements. Pilgrims selected for 2027 will need to meet Saudi vaccination and health rules, which are typically confirmed closer to the season.