Business Desk 
Feb 09, 2026
The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Monday announced an deadline extension for the biometric verification deadline for Hajj 2026, which pilgrims can easily complete from the comfort of their homes.
As per a ministry spokesperson, pilgrims can easily complete Hajj 2026 biometric verification until February 17, 2026 via a Saudi Visa Bio App from home. Biometrics can also be completed at Saudi Tasheer Centres established in six major cities.
Hajj pilgrims need to keep the receipt or confirmation email received from the Tasheer Centres. It is important to remember that biometric verification is mandatory for obtaining a Hajj visa, and no visa will be issued without it.
The Hajj Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that the kingdom will start issuing Hajj visas to intending pilgrims worldwide from February 8.
According to Saudi Gazette, the early launch is part of an accelerated timeline designed to enhance service readiness and ensure the comfort of pilgrims approximately four months ahead of the rituals, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
750,000 pilgrims have registered so far, with packages booked for 30,000 pilgrims directly from their home countries, it added.
Last month, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf confirmed that in Pakistan, registration has been completed for 119,000 government pilgrims and 60,000 private pilgrims.
"Approximately 485 camps have been allocated for international pilgrims at the holy sites, and 73 Hajj affairs offices have completed their basic contractual arrangements," said the ministry.
