Hajj & Umrah 2026 from India — Dates, Visa, Flights, Packages & Essential Tips
- Hajj 2026 is expected between June 25–30, 2026 (subject to moon sighting).
- Umrah can be performed year-round, including during Ramadan 2026 (approx. February 28 – March 30, 2026).
- Indian pilgrims must fly into Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED)—not Mecca directly.
- Choose between Haj Committee of India (HCoI) government packages or private tour operators.
- Key airlines: Air India (charters + scheduled), Saudia, IndiGo, and Akasa Air.
- Apply for Hajj registration Oct–Dec 2025; Umrah e-visa opens year-round via visa.visitsaudi.com.
1. Hajj 2026: Key Dates & Timeline
Hajj occurs in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Based on astronomical projections:
- 1 Dhu al-Hijjah 1447 AH ≈ June 25, 2026
- Day of Arafah (9 Dhu al-Hijjah) ≈ July 3, 2026
- Eid al-Adha ≈ July 4, 2026
⚠️ Note: Exact dates will be confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court after moon sighting in June 2026.
Hajj Timeline for Indian Pilgrims (2025–2026)
Month | Action |
|---|---|
Oct–Dec 2025 | Haj Committee of India (HCoI) opens online registration |
Jan–Feb 2026 | Lottery results declared; private operators open bookings |
Mar–Apr 2026 | Visa processing begins; medical tests & documentation |
May 2026 | Pre-departure briefings; finalize travel kits |
June–July 2026 | Hajj departure (flights typically 5–7 days before Day of Arafah) |
2. Umrah 2026: When to Go?
Umrah can be performed any time—but some periods are more popular (and expensive):
- Ramadan 2026: ~Feb 28 – Mar 30 → Highest spiritual reward, but crowded & costly
- January–March: Cool weather, moderate crowds
- September–November: Post-summer, pre-winter; good balance
- Avoid June–August: Extreme heat in Saudi Arabia (45°C+)
✅ Tip: Book Umrah flights/hotels 3–4 months in advance for better rates.
3. Visa Process for Indian Pilgrims
A. Hajj Visa (2026)
- Only via:
- Haj Committee of India (HCoI) – for government scheme
- Saudi-approved private Hajj operators (Ministry of Hajj & Umrah licensed)
- Documents Required:
- Valid passport (min. 6 months validity)
- Proof of vaccination (Meningitis ACWY mandatory)
- Photographs, application form, payment receipt
- No personal application: Must go through authorized channels.
B. Umrah Visa (2026)
- Two options:
- E-Visa: Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com – valid for 90 days, multiple entry.
- Through travel agents: Bundled with flight + hotel packages.
- Eligibility: Indian passport holders with biometric passports (issued after 2010).
- Processing Time: 1–5 days for e-visa.
📌 Important: Umrah cannot be performed during the 5 days of Hajj (approx. July 1–6, 2026).
4. Best Airlines from India to Saudi Arabia (2026)
Airline | Destinations | Direct Flights From | Baggage (Economy) | Hajj Charters? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Air India | JED, MED | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow | 30–40 kg (charter), 23–30 kg (regular) | ✅ Yes (HCoI partner) |
Saudia | JED, MED | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad | 30 kg | ❌ No (but offers Hajj packages) |
IndiGo | JED (seasonal) | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad | 15–35 kg (paid add-ons) | ❌ No |
Akasa Air | JED (expected 2026) | Likely Delhi, Mumbai | 15–30 kg (add-on) | ❌ No |
✈️ Pro Tip: For Hajj, charter flights via HCoI include ground transport to camps—avoid the hassle of arranging transfers.
5. Hajj Packages: Government vs Private (2026)
A. Haj Committee of India (HCoI) Scheme
- Cost: ₹2.3 – ₹2.8 lakhs (estimated for 2026)
- Includes:
- Return airfare (charter)
- 30-day accommodation in Mecca & Mina/Arafat
- Meals, transport, Mutawwif (Saudi guide), health support
- Pros: Regulated, safe, fixed pricing, elderly-friendly
- Cons: Lottery-based selection; limited choice in hotels/dates
B. Private Hajj Packages
- Cost: ₹2.5 lakhs (basic) to ₹5+ lakhs (luxury near Haram)
- Includes: Customizable duration, hotel proximity, group size
- Choose only MoH (Saudi Ministry of Hajj) licensed agents
- Check reviews: Look for IATO or HCOI empaneled operators
6. Important Tips for 2026 Pilgrims
- Vaccination: Get Meningitis ACWY at least 10 days before travel (mandatory).
- Zamzam Water: Allowed 5 liters free on return (must be sealed at airport).
- Ihram Clothing: Carry extra sets; purchase in India (cheaper than Saudi).
- Currency: Carry Saudi Riyals (SAR); ₹1 ≈ SAR 0.05 (check live rates).
- Connectivity: Buy Saudi SIM (STC, Mobily, Zain) at Jeddah airport—eSIMs also available.
- Health: Register on Saudi’s “Mawid” app for medical appointments.
- Insurance: Covers medical evacuation, trip interruption, lost baggage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I perform Hajj without going through HCoI?
Yes—but only via Saudi-approved private operators. Independent Hajj travel is not permitted for Indian citizens.
Q2: Is Umrah open for all age groups in 2026?
Yes. No age restrictions as of 2025; likely to continue in 2026.
Q3: How long does Hajj take?
Minimum 10–12 days (from arrival in Jeddah to departure). HCoI packages are typically 25–30 days.
Q4: Can women travel alone for Umrah?
Yes—Saudi now allows women of all ages to perform Umrah without a mahram (as of 2023 policy).
Q5: What’s the deadline to apply for Hajj 2026?
HCoI usually closes registration by December 2025. Private operators may accept until March 2026.
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