Qatar will open registration for the 2027 Hajj season on September 20, its Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has announced. According to the ministry, registration for citizens and residents wishing to perform the pilgrimage will run through the official Hajj portal until October 20, 2026.

The announcement adds Qatar to a growing list of countries setting out their timelines as Saudi Arabia and national authorities begin early preparations for the 1448 AH pilgrimage. The ministry said Qatar's Hajj quota for the upcoming season is 4,400 pilgrims.

Who can register, and how

The ministry set out clear eligibility rules for the two main groups of applicants. For Qatari citizens, applicants must be at least 18 years old and may add up to three companions to their application.

For residents and citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council states, the conditions are stricter. According to the ministry, they must be at least 45 years old, must not have previously performed Hajj, and must have maintained continuous residence in Qatar for at least 15 years. Residents and GCC citizens may add one companion each.

Registration will open at midnight at the start of Sunday, September 20, and remain open for one month. The ministry said electronic registration, contracting with licensed Hajj campaigns and payment procedures have all been further developed to make the process smoother.

Health certificate a required first step

The ministry emphasised that obtaining a health fitness certificate will be a mandatory first step for applicants. The certificate can be obtained from health centres across Qatar, with the medical assessment recorded electronically.

The requirement mirrors a wider tightening of health checks across the region. Saudi Arabia has made medical documentation a condition for Hajj visas, reflecting the physical demands of a pilgrimage performed by large crowds, often in intense heat.

Once registration closes on October 20, the ministry said electronic sorting of applications will begin. Acceptance notifications are expected to be sent by SMS from the end of October, giving successful applicants time to complete their arrangements.

Part of a wider 2027 push

Qatar's timeline arrives as the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah opens early planning for 2027 with Hajj affairs offices from more than 75 countries. Several nations have moved quickly to launch registration and confirm quotas, aiming to give pilgrims and operators more time to prepare.

Demand for Hajj places routinely outstrips the quotas allocated to each country, which are set in proportion to Muslim populations. Early registration windows and electronic sorting are intended to make the allocation process fairer and more transparent.

Practical tips for applicants

  • Get the health certificate first. Because it is a mandatory first step, book your medical assessment at an approved health centre before the portal opens on September 20.
  • Check your eligibility. Residents and GCC citizens should confirm they meet the age, first-time and 15-year residency conditions before applying.
  • Prepare companion details. Citizens may add up to three companions and residents one, so gather the required documents for everyone in advance.
  • Register early in the window. With a fixed quota of 4,400 and electronic sorting after October 20, complete your application well before the deadline.
  • Watch for the SMS. Acceptance notices are expected from the end of October, so keep your registered phone number active and monitored.

Applicants are advised to rely only on the official Hajj portal and licensed campaigns, and to keep records of every step of their registration and payment.