Hajj 2026 (1447 AH) fell in late May, right at the start of the Saudi summer. Because the Islamic calendar moves about eleven days earlier each year, the next several seasons will also land in hot months. Rather than listing dates, this guide breaks preparation into a timeline: what to do months ahead, what to sort out a few weeks before, and what to plan for the days around the rites themselves.
Months before: paperwork and registration
Hajj requires a dedicated Hajj visa or an official Hajj permit. A tourist visa or Umrah visa is not valid for performing Hajj. The route to that visa depends on where you live:
- Many international pilgrims register through the Nusuk Hajj platform; in other countries registration runs through the official national Hajj mission or its approved agencies.
- Citizens and residents inside the Kingdom register through the official domestic pilgrims' portal.
- Make sure your passport has enough validity left, and enter your name exactly as it appears in it.
Opening dates, eligibility rules and fees change from season to season. Always check the official source — Nusuk or your country's Hajj mission — rather than social-media posts. Be wary of anyone offering Hajj "without a permit": it is against the rules and carries penalties.
Two to three months before: health and fitness
Vaccinations
Saudi health authorities require pilgrims to be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis, and further requirements may apply depending on the season and your country of departure. Check the Ministry of Health requirements published for your season and get your certificates well before you travel.
Walking practice
The days of Hajj involve long walks between camps, the Jamarat and crowded roads. Start daily walks several weeks before you leave, increase the distance gradually, and wear the shoes you plan to take so your feet get used to them. Brand-new shoes on the Day of Sacrifice are a reliable recipe for blisters.
Chronic conditions
If you take regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip plus a reserve, along with a short medical note in English or Arabic. Ask your doctor how to manage heat and long gaps between meals while you are on the move.
A few weeks before: pack with purpose
- Ihram garments: at least two sets of light cotton, so you can change if needed.
- Unscented toiletries: soap, deodorant and wipes without fragrance for the period of ihram.
- Power bank: your phone is your ID wallet, your map and your link to your group.
- A light-coloured umbrella and a small water spray, plus rehydration salts if your doctor recommends them.
- A small day bag for the holy sites, separate from your main suitcase, holding only essentials.
Our Umrah packing list covers many of the same items in more detail.
Transport: what you arrange, and what your Hajj group handles
It helps to separate two phases:
- The days of the rites (from the Day of Tarwiyah through the Days of Tashreeq): movement between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah is organised through Hajj companies and the authorities, and vehicle access to the holy sites is controlled by special permits. Follow your group's instructions.
- Before and after the rites: landing at Jeddah, getting to Makkah, visiting Madinah and returning to the airport. This is where a private car is most useful, especially with elderly relatives and heavy luggage.
During peak season, roads are busier and there are more traffic-control points, so allow extra time for every trip and book early. Fixed per-car fares on the main routes (starting prices):
| Route | Sedan | Family | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport → Makkah | 200 SAR | 350 SAR | 500 SAR |
| Makkah → Madinah | 400 SAR | 600 SAR | 1,000 SAR |
| Madinah → Jeddah Airport | 450 SAR | 700 SAR | 1,000 SAR |
| Makkah → Jeddah Airport | 190 SAR | 300 SAR | 500 SAR |
See the rest in the taxi fares guide, and the arrival process on the Jeddah Airport taxi page.
Managing the heat
Heat is the single biggest physical challenge for most pilgrims. Drink water steadily rather than in large gulps, keep to shade where you can, and follow your group's guidance on timing — many groups schedule walking to the Jamarat for cooler hours where the rules allow. Watch older companions closely: dizziness, confusion or a stop in sweating are warning signs that need immediate attention from the medical teams on site.
Money and side expenses
On top of your package, budget for the hadi (sacrificial animal) if it applies to you — usually paid through the official approved channels — plus charity, meals outside your group's programme, and transport before and after the rites. Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash in riyals for small everyday purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Can I perform Hajj on an Umrah or tourist visa?
No. Hajj needs a Hajj visa or an official permit, and attempting it without one is a violation with penalties.
When should I book my airport-to-Makkah ride?
As soon as your flight is confirmed. Send the flight number on WhatsApp; your driver will wait in arrivals with a name sign, we track the flight, and you get 60 minutes of free waiting after landing.
Do you drive pilgrims between the holy sites during Hajj?
Movement within the holy sites during the rites is handled by Hajj groups under official arrangements. We cover the journeys before and after — the airport, Madinah and getting around Makkah.
How will I know the dates of the next season?
They are announced officially based on the moon sighting; follow Nusuk or your Hajj mission. Remember that the season moves about 11 days earlier each year.
To book or ask a question: WhatsApp +966582918075 or the booking page.