Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs, known as the Diyanet, has switched from Saudi riyals to US dollars in setting the fees for its Hajj 2027 programme, according to the Turkish daily BirGun. The move abandons a currency policy the directorate had followed for several years and has drawn criticism from within the institution over both the change and the size of the increase.

Under the 2027 programme, the standard package for one person sharing a two-person room is priced at 9,200 dollars. A couple travelling together would pay 18,400 dollars, while a three-person room costs 8,800 dollars per pilgrim, though the Diyanet says availability in that category is limited.

New package prices

Beyond the standard options, the directorate is offering packages with hotels closer to the main pilgrimage sites, ranging from 14,000 to 24,500 dollars per person. The most expensive option amounts to a substantial sum in Turkish lira at current exchange rates.

The Diyanet collected Hajj fees in Turkish lira in 2017 before switching to Saudi riyals for the 2018 pilgrimage. According to BirGun, official documents show fees continued to be listed in riyals in subsequent years, including for the 2026 season, making the shift to dollars for 2027 a notable break from recent practice.

Why the currency switch matters

Because the Saudi riyal is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 3.75 riyals to one dollar, the change of currency does not by itself alter the underlying exchange-rate risk. It does, however, make a direct comparison with the previous year's fee less obvious.

Diyanet sources quoted by BirGun criticised both the higher fees and the decision to announce them in dollars. One source said the 2026 application fee had been 24,500 riyals, equivalent to about 6,533 dollars at the fixed rate, and argued that the new 9,200 dollar standard fee represented an increase of roughly 41 percent in dollar terms. The source suggested that keeping fees in riyals would have made the rise easier for pilgrims to see.

The directorate has not publicly responded to the criticism. BirGun also reported that pilgrim payments are transferred to accounts belonging to the Turkey Diyanet Foundation, with some funds used for Hajj visas and advance payments to service providers.

Record demand and the lottery

Demand for Hajj places in Turkey continues to far exceed the quota set by Saudi Arabia. Nearly 1.88 million people entered the Diyanet's lottery for the 84,942 Hajj places allocated to Turkey for 2027, according to official figures.

The initial registration period ran from July 30 through August 18. The Diyanet said any remaining places would be offered according to the lottery ranking between August 24 and September 1. As the state body overseeing Turkey's organised Hajj programme, the directorate plays a central role in how pilgrims are selected and how the journey is arranged.

Practical tips for Turkish pilgrims

Pilgrims in Turkey preparing for Hajj 2027 should consider the following:

  • Watch the lottery window. Remaining places are offered by ranking, so monitor announcements during the late-August to early-September period.
  • Budget in dollars. With fees now set in US dollars, calculate the lira cost using the current exchange rate before committing.
  • Compare packages. Review the difference between standard and premium options, including hotel distance from the holy sites.
  • Confirm what is included. Check which services, such as visas, transport and accommodation, are covered by the fee.
  • Keep documents ready. Ensure your passport and personal records are valid and up to date before the selection stage.

The pricing change is a reminder that Hajj costs can shift year to year, and pilgrims who plan their finances early will be better prepared for the journey.