A detailed operational calendar for the 1448 AH Hajj season has been circulated to travel companies, mapping out the steps from accommodation registration through to visa issuance. The schedule, drawn up in coordination with the Saudi authorities, formalises the early preparations for the coming season and confirms that the entire process will run through the Kingdom's Nusuk Masar electronic platform.
The Key Dates
According to the published timeline, companies began entering accommodation preferences in Makkah and Madinah, whether in hotels or approved houses, from 30 June 2026. Direct transfer of funds into electronic wallets through the Nusuk Masar platform becomes available from 15 July 2026.
Contracting for the season's comprehensive packages then opens from 29 July 2026, alongside entering preferences for the distribution of Nusuk cards and completing pilgrims' accommodation choices through the approved electronic platform. The schedule sets 13 August 2026 as the deadline for confirming the retention of camps reserved from the previous Hajj season. Preparatory meetings, the registration of grouping preferences and the uploading of pilgrim data on Nusuk Masar begin from 14 August.
Organisers have set 26 September 2026 as the final date for announcing Hajj registration in the pilgrim's home country. November is scheduled to see the signing of the Hajj arrangements agreement on the sidelines of the 2026 Hajj Expo and Conference, along with the grouping agreement for pilgrims.
Payments and Visa Issuance
The calendar identifies 24 December 2026 as the last date for transferring the funds required to contract for the comprehensive packages and completing their deposit into the electronic wallets through Nusuk Masar. It then sets 23 January 2027 as the final deadline for contracting the comprehensive packages.
The uploading of pilgrim data on the electronic platform ends on 28 January 2027, coinciding with the start of Hajj visa issuance, clearing the way for the remaining organisational procedures for the new season to be completed. The sequencing places financial commitments and data entry ahead of visa issuance, so that a pilgrim's booking and payment are locked in before a visa is granted.
A Fully Digital Season
The timeline underscores how central the Nusuk Masar platform has become to the Hajj process. From accommodation preferences to fund transfers, card distribution and data uploads, each stage is routed through the electronic system. This reflects the wider shift toward an integrated, digital pilgrimage in which accommodation, transport and services are handled through unified platforms rather than fragmented arrangements.
For Hajj affairs offices and service providers, the calendar acts as a planning backbone. Missing a window, such as the deadline for confirming retained camps or the cut-off for depositing package funds, can disrupt a group's arrangements. Early registration of preferences gives organisers a better chance of securing preferred accommodation and grouping.
Practical Tips for Prospective Pilgrims
Prospective pilgrims for 1448 AH should engage with their approved Hajj operator early rather than waiting for later deadlines. Confirm with the operator when your home-country registration closes, keeping the 26 September 2026 announcement date in mind, and ensure your personal and travel documents are ready for uploading well before the late-January cut-off.
Because payments flow through electronic wallets on Nusuk Masar, pilgrims should be prepared to meet the funding deadlines, especially the 24 December 2026 date for depositing package funds and the 23 January 2027 deadline for finalising contracts. Budgeting ahead of these dates avoids last-minute pressure. Keep records of every transfer and confirmation.
Pilgrims should also verify that they are dealing with authorised operators working through official channels, as the entire process is designed to run through the Kingdom's approved platforms. Confirm accommodation and grouping preferences promptly when your operator opens them, and stay in regular contact so that any missing information can be supplied before the relevant window closes. Early, organised preparation is the surest way to a smooth booking for the coming season.