A key stage of the Hajj 1448 AH (2027) operational calendar begins this week. According to the roadmap issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrim data must be uploaded to the Masar Nusuk platform from August 14, 2026 through January 28, 2027. The window opens the main technical phase that Hajj missions and licensed operators worldwide must complete before visas can be issued.
The Ministry unveiled the full 2027 schedule at a ceremony in Jeddah on May 29, then handed it to religious affairs ministers from participating countries. The calendar sets firm deadlines across registration, service contracts, payments and travel, with the Nusuk digital system at the center of every step.
What the August 14 window means
Between August 14, 2026 and January 28, 2027, national Hajj authorities and accredited service providers will enter pilgrims' information into the Masar Nusuk system. This data forms the basis for accommodation, catering, transport and health arrangements inside the Kingdom. Missions that miss the window risk delays in confirming their pilgrims for the season.
The upload phase runs alongside other contract deadlines. According to the published roadmap, agreements for overall service packages, covering tents at Mina and Arafah, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, catering and transport, are processed through Masar Nusuk from July 29, 2026 until January 23, 2027. Agreements with designated airlines and the completion of related documentation run from July 29 to November 8, 2026.
Payments follow the same digital track. The transfer of Saudi-side expenses to the Masar Nusuk e-wallet continues from July 15 to December 24, 2026. The Ministry has repeatedly stressed that all financial settlements must move through the official e-wallet rather than informal channels.
Registration and licensing deadlines
The Ministry has urged prospective pilgrims to complete registration by September 26, 2026. Officials have clarified that this is a registration milestone, distinct from later package payment dates, and countries have been advising their nationals to submit passports and complete pre-registration well ahead of the cutoff.
On the operator side, Saudi Arabia opened applications on August 8, 2026 for licensing companies that serve foreign pilgrims during the 1448 AH season. Both Saudi firms and accredited international companies with experience in large-scale operations may apply through the Nusuk platform and the General Authority's e-services portal. Applicants must meet criteria on financial capacity, operational track record and health and safety compliance.
The road to the pilgrimage
Under the roadmap, Hajj visa issuance begins on January 28, 2027, the same day the pilgrim data window closes. Bilateral Hajj agreements between Saudi Arabia and individual countries are being signed through the autumn, with flight operations expected to start in early April 2027.
The pilgrimage itself is expected to fall in mid-May 2027, subject to the sighting of the moon. The Day of Tarwiyah (8 Dhul-Hijjah) is projected for around May 14, with the Day of Arafah, the heart of Hajj, on or about May 15. As with every year, the exact dates will be confirmed once the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah is sighted.
Practical tips for pilgrims and operators
Pilgrims planning for 2027 should complete pre-registration with their national Hajj authority before the September 26 deadline and ensure their passports are valid well beyond the travel window. Keep documents, photographs and any required identity numbers ready, since operators need accurate details to upload data during the August-to-January window.
Confirm that your travel agency is licensed and listed on Nusuk before making any payment, and insist that all fees pass through official channels linked to the Masar Nusuk e-wallet. Begin arranging required vaccinations early, as certificates must be issued within set timeframes before arrival. Finally, watch for the bilateral agreement and package announcements from your country, as these set the final costs and departure schedule.