With Hajj 2026 expected to begin on May 25, pilgrims now have less than three weeks to finalise their preparations. Whether you are already in Saudi Arabia or still at home awaiting your flight, here is a structured week-by-week checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

This Week (May 7-13): Administrative and Medical

  • Verify your Nusuk card - check it is accessible in both the Nusuk app and the Tawakkalna app. Take a screenshot of the QR code and save it to your phone gallery as backup.
  • Confirm vaccinations are current - meningococcal ACWY (mandatory, must be at least 10 days before arrival), seasonal flu (recommended), and COVID-19 booster (required if over 65 or with chronic conditions). Carry printed certificates.
  • Make three copies of all documents - passport, visa, vaccination certificate, hotel booking, return ticket, Nusuk card. One in carry-on, one in checked luggage, one left with family at home.
  • Download essential apps - Nusuk (mandatory), Google Maps (download Makkah/Mina/Madinah regions offline), your airline app, WhatsApp (for group communication).
  • Set your phone lock screen to display your name, group name, hotel, and an emergency contact number with international dialling code.
  • Arrange your sacrifice (hady) through your operator or online service if not already done. Confirm and keep the receipt.

Next Week (May 14-18): Packing and Travel

  • May 16 is the deadline for overland pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia. If arriving by land, you must cross the border before this date.
  • Pack your Hajj bag - Ihram (2 sets for men), umbrella (white/UV), power bank (20,000mAh+), blister plasters, ORS sachets, unscented sunscreen, comfortable sandals (broken in), small prayer mat, neck pouch for valuables, prescribed medications (with doctor's letter).
  • Pack light for Mina - a separate small backpack with only what you need for the Hajj days: one change of clothes, medication, phone charger, water bottle, ID. Your main luggage stays at your Makkah hotel.
  • Confirm your Rawdah booking in Madinah if applicable - check the Nusuk app for your time slot.
  • Confirm your return flight details and check-in time. Understand which airport you depart from (Jeddah or Madinah) and how you get there after Hajj.

Final Week (May 19-24): Spiritual Preparation

  • Write your dua list. List every person you want to pray for, every specific request you want to make to Allah. You will be emotional at Arafah and may forget things in the moment. A written list ensures nothing is missed.
  • Settle any debts and resolve disputes with family or friends. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged settling all affairs before Hajj.
  • Write a simple will (wasiyyah) if you have not already. Travel carries inherent risk, and Hajj is a journey where one should be spiritually prepared for all outcomes.
  • Learn the key duas - Talbiyah (memorise it now if you have not), the dua between the Yemeni Corner and Black Stone (Quran 2:201), and the Arafah supplication. Practice reciting them daily.
  • Perform Salat al-Istikharah and ask Allah to make this journey easy, accepted, and transformative.

Day Before Hajj (May 24)

  • Prepare your Mina bag and leave your main luggage at the hotel.
  • Charge all devices fully - phone, power bank, smart wristband if issued.
  • Eat well and hydrate - the days ahead will be physically demanding. Start hydrating aggressively now.
  • Perform Umrah if you are doing Hajj Tamattu' and have not yet done so. You must complete Umrah before the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
  • Enter Ihram for Hajj after Fajr on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (expected May 25). Make your niyyah for Hajj and begin the Talbiyah.

Key Dates to Remember

  • May 16: Deadline for overland entry to Saudi Arabia
  • May 17-18: Expected Dhul Hijjah moon sighting (confirms all dates)
  • May 24: Final preparation day in Makkah
  • May 25 (8 Dhul Hijjah): Move to Mina - Hajj begins
  • May 26 (9 Dhul Hijjah): Day of Arafah
  • May 27 (10 Dhul Hijjah): Eid al-Adha - stoning, sacrifice, Tawaf
  • May 28-30: Days of Tashreeq in Mina

All dates remain subject to official moon sighting confirmation by Saudi authorities.