Recently, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia opened the booking phase for Hajj packages. This is for the domestic pilgrims, which will allow citizens and expatriates with valid residency permits in Saudi Arabia to select and reserve their pilgrimage packages. Here’s all you need to know about this development ahead of Hajj 2026.
Hajj Registration Opens For Domestic Pilgrims
The Ministry of Hajj & Umrah, as revealed by Gulf News, has mentioned that applicants who previously registered their information in the initial phase can now access available packages through the Nusuk digital platform. This is either possible through the website or through the mobile application. As it happens, payment for the confirmed bookings will be completed through the SADAD electronic payment system. This comes after the earlier data registration stage, which began for pilgrims on February 23rd.
Pilgrims Can Choose The Option That Suits Them Best
As further revealed by the ministry, available packages can be reviewed. After this, the applicants can choose the option that suits their needs best. After this, a booking invoice will be issued, and payments will be completed electronically. The process is part of the digital system that has been designed to streamline the organisation of services. Not to mention, it aims to offer fair access to pilgrimage opportunities.
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Payment To Be Completed Within 72 Hours Of Booking
At this point, it’s worth mentioning that the pilgrims must complete the payment within 72 hours after booking. The timeframe, however, will remain open until Dhul Qada 27, which is May 14th. From May 15th onwards, the payment period will be shortened to six hours, which would allow more applicants an opportunity to secure the available places. It should be noted that the reservation will be automatically cancelled if the payment has not been completed within the specified amount of time.
Coming to the cancellation policy for booked packages, someone who wishes to cancel their reservation without any deduction can do so before April 18th and before the permit is issued. Once the permits are issued, the refund amount will depend on the timing of the cancellation request. However, a full refund will not be guaranteed for cancellations from May 18th till the closure of the booking platform.
So, if you have been planning to take on this important pilgrimage, you might want to keep this development related to bookings in mind.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Eluk rr from Getty Images (Cover image is for representative purposes only)
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