The deadline for completing Saudi visa biometric requirements for Hajj 2026 pilgrims has been extended officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on Monday.
According to the spokesperson the final deadline to complete Saudi visa biometrics has now been set for February 17.
Pilgrims have been advised to ensure timely completion as biometric verification is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Hajj visa.
The spokesperson further said that pilgrims can complete their Saudi visa biometrics from home using the designated mobile application. In addition biometric services are also available at Saudi Tasheer Centers established in six major cities across the country.
The Ministry emphasized that no Hajj visa will be issued without biometric verification. Pilgrims have also been instructed to keep the receipt or confirmation email received from the Tasheer Centers for future reference.
Officials urged intending pilgrims to complete the biometric process well before the deadline to avoid any inconvenience.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said preparations for Hajj 2026 were going on as per the schedule of Saudi authorities. According to numbers released by the minister about 119,000 government scheme pilgrims have been registered as well as 60,000 private scheme pilgrims.
He added that arrangements relating to food, transportation and other necessary services have been finalised through a competitive process.
Referring to Hajj 2025, the minister stated that refunds worth Rs3.5 billion were given back to 75 per cent of the Pakistani pilgrims with the amount of Rs12,000 to Rs110,000 per individual.
He further pointed out that training sessions equipped with audio-visual facilities were organised in 147 places in the country and there was discipline among pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.
The minister added that the project of the Road to Makah was extended to include the Karachi Airport besides the airports at Islamabad, while efforts are being made to include that at Lahore.
Under Hajj and Umrah Act, Umrah Rules 2025 have been drafted and sent to the cabinet committee for approval. Also the verified contracts of 245 Umrah companies are published on the ministry’s website.
Until the rules are approved, complaints related to the Umrah are being put forward to the provincial tourism departments.
Also read: Prospective Hajj pilgrims asked to finalise biometrics for Hajj visa
