Qatar has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj season, with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs setting a firm October 20 deadline for citizens and residents seeking one of the country's 4,400 pilgrim slots. The Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs confirmed that applications must be submitted through the official government portal, and it urged prospective pilgrims not to delay.

Registration Window and Platform

According to the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, registration opened at midnight on September 20, 2026, and will close on October 20. All applications are processed through the official Hajj portal at hajj.gov.qa.

The department said electronic screening of applications begins immediately after the registration window closes. Applicants will receive acceptance notifications by SMS at the end of October, so officials advised pilgrims to keep the phone number linked to their application active and reachable.

Eligibility and Age Requirements

The rules differ for citizens and residents. Qatari citizens must be at least 18 years old, and each application may include up to three companions.

Residents and citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council states face stricter conditions. They must be at least 45 years old, must not have previously performed Hajj, and may bring only one companion. In addition, residents must have held continuous residency in Qatar for 15 years or more to qualify.

  • Qatari citizens: minimum age 18, up to three companions.
  • Residents and GCC citizens: minimum age 45, no prior Hajj, one companion, 15+ years continuous residency.

Costs and Health Clearance

Applicants must make a mandatory advance payment of QAR 10,000 at the time of registration. The department said this amount is applied toward the final cost of the pilgrimage program, which varies according to the services each campaign provides, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and on-the-ground support.

A health fitness certificate confirming medical eligibility is also mandatory. The certificate is administered through Qatar health centers. This requirement mirrors the wider trend across the 2027 season, in which Saudi authorities have emphasised medical clearance and early digital data submission for pilgrims from all countries.

The department published a hotline, 132, for applicants who need help completing their registration or clarifying eligibility.

Part of a Broader 2027 Push

Qatar's announcement follows a series of national registration openings across the region as countries align with Saudi Arabia's early timeline for the 1448 AH Hajj. Neighbouring states have opened their own portals and set quotas in recent weeks, and Saudi authorities have encouraged pilgrim-sending nations to submit data early through approved digital platforms to support seat allocation and planning.

With a national quota of 4,400 places, competition for seats is expected to be significant, particularly among long-term residents who meet the 15-year threshold. Officials stressed that the October 20 deadline is fixed and that incomplete applications may not be considered.

Practical Tips for Applicants

  • Register as early as possible through the official portal at hajj.gov.qa rather than waiting for the final days.
  • Obtain the required health fitness certificate from an approved Qatar health center before applying.
  • Ensure the QAR 10,000 advance payment is ready, and keep the receipt for your records.
  • Confirm your eligibility carefully, especially the 45-year age minimum and 15-year residency rule for residents.
  • Keep the mobile number on your application active, since acceptance notifications arrive by SMS at the end of October.
  • Call the department hotline, 132, if any step is unclear.

Pilgrims should always confirm the latest requirements through official Qatari and Saudi government channels, as procedures and deadlines can change.