Qatar has opened registration for citizens and residents wishing to perform the 2027 pilgrimage. The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, through its Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, said registration will run from 20 September through 20 October 2026 via the official website, hajj.gov.qa.
Speaking at a press conference in Doha, the director of the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Ali bin Sultan Al Musaifri, said the early registration follows positive outcomes from previous seasons, which allowed Hajj operators to complete their contracts and operational arrangements sooner. According to the Qatar News Agency, he said this had a direct positive impact on service quality for pilgrims.
Quota and eligibility
Al Musaifri said Qatar's quota for the 1448 AH Hajj season stands at 4,400 pilgrims. Eligibility is based on the health-capacity standard adopted by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which is intended to ensure that pilgrims are physically able to perform the rites with ease and safety.
Qatari citizens must be at least 18 years old to register, and may add up to three accompanying persons to a single application. Residents and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries must be at least 45 years old, must not have previously performed Hajj, may add only one accompanying person, and must have maintained continuous residency in Qatar for at least 15 years. Al Musaifri urged applicants to include accompanying persons in the main application from the outset to avoid complications later.
Payments and screening
Al Musaifri explained that the online registration system has been enhanced with more flexible electronic payment options, allowing pilgrims to complete contracting with approved Hajj campaigns through the platform. Upon finalising registration, applicants make a payment through the system. He stressed that this is not a registration fee but an advance payment deducted from the final package cost, intended to confirm the seriousness of applicants.
The final cost of Hajj varies from one campaign to another depending on the level of services, including accommodation, transportation and catering. Electronic screening of applications begins immediately after registration closes, with acceptance notifications sent by text message beginning in late October.
Al Musaifri said the early timetable follows the lead of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which has adopted an early schedule for the season, including the allocation of country quotas and the completion of accommodation, catering and transportation contracts. Starting the process early, he said, ensures the optimal use of available opportunities and allows Qatar's operators to finalise arrangements to the highest standards. Awqaf has also published guidance materials and digital awareness videos explaining the registration steps, campaign selection, contract execution and online payment.
Medical fitness comes first
The head of the medical unit at Qatar's Hajj Mission, Dr. Hamad Al Rumaihi, said obtaining a medical fitness certificate is the primary step for those wishing to register. The document is among the approved requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and will be available at all health centres across Qatar. Applicants can visit any centre for the required examination, after which results are entered electronically into the system linked to the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs.
Al Rumaihi said the fitness requirement is intended to safeguard pilgrims' health and prevent potential risks throughout the journey. Detailed health requirements are available on the department's website.
Practical tips for Qatar-based pilgrims
Complete your medical fitness certificate first. It is the primary step, and results must be entered electronically before registration can proceed. Register within the window, which runs only from 20 September to 20 October at hajj.gov.qa. Add all accompanying persons to the main application from the start to avoid problems during approval. Check eligibility carefully, especially the age, prior-Hajj and 15-year residency conditions that apply to GCC residents. Use only official channels, including the department hotline on 132, for inquiries and to review the list of licensed operators.