Pilgrimage guide
Hajj & Umrah 2026 — practical flight & check-in guide
Whether you're applying for Hajj or planning Umrah, this guide covers the airline check-in, airport choice, visa application via Nusuk, baggage rules, and the practical tips that aren't on government websites. Updated for 2026 season.
Hajj 2026 dates (estimated)
Hajj falls in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. For 2026, expected dates are 26–31 May 2026 (subject to moon sighting). Saudi Hajj Ministry confirms exact dates ~30 days before. Umrah is year-round.
Step 1 — Choose JED vs MED
Both Jeddah and Medina airports serve pilgrims. The choice depends on your itinerary:
| Choice | JED Jeddah | MED Medina |
|---|---|---|
| Closer to | Mecca (~85 km, 1h drive) | Medina city / Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (~10 km) |
| Hajj season volume | Massive (75% of pilgrims arrive here) | Moderate (visit Medina before/after Mecca) |
| Umrah year-round | Most common | Convenient if visiting Medina first |
| Haramain rail link | JED → Mecca (30 min) / Medina (2h) | MED → Jeddah (2h) / Mecca (2.5h) |
Recommendation: Most pilgrims fly into JED, perform Mecca rituals, then take Haramain rail to MED for the Medina visit, then fly home from MED. Saves backtracking.
Step 2 — Apply for visa via Nusuk
Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) is the official portal for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
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Hajj 2026 application
Apply through Nusuk Hajj portal during the application window (typically January–March 2026 for the May–June pilgrimage). Slots are quota-allocated by country. Quotas filled fast — apply on opening day.
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Umrah visa
Year-round e-visa via Nusuk Umrah app. Costs around US $80–300 depending on package. Available to most OECD passports plus 50+ Muslim-majority countries.
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Hajj package via approved operator (most countries)
Some countries (Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh) only allow Hajj via government-approved tour operators. Direct Nusuk applications are blocked. Apply through your country's Hajj Mission/Committee.
Step 3 — Choose airline + check-in
Major airlines for pilgrims, with dedicated Hajj/Umrah handling:
Saudia (SV)
Saudi Arabia's flag carrier. Most direct routes from Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Turkey. Dedicated Hajj season schedule.
EgyptAir (MS)
Strong Cairo-Jeddah-Medina pilgrim corridor. Offers package fares with hotel.
Turkish Airlines (TK)
Connections via Istanbul to JED/MED from many European/American cities. Good for non-direct origins.
Royal Jordanian (RJ)
Amman connection to JED/MED. Useful for pilgrims combining Petra/Dead Sea.
Emirates (EK)
Dubai connection to JED/MED. Premium long-haul option for European/American pilgrims.
Qatar Airways (QR)
Doha connection to JED/MED. Award-winning Business Class on long-haul routes.
Step 4 — Departure airports for pilgrims
Major departure airports with dedicated Hajj/Umrah handling:
Islamabad (ISB) — Pakistan
~180,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims/year. Charter flights via PIA + Saudia.
Cairo (CAI) — Egypt
EgyptAir hub. Cairo-Jeddah dominant pilgrim route.
Delhi (DEL) — India
Air India + Saudia connections to JED/MED. Indian Hajj quota ~175,000 annually.
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) — Malaysia
Tabung Haji handles Malaysian Hajj operations. KLIA dedicated Hajj counters.
Istanbul (IST) — Turkey
Turkish Airlines hub. ~60,000 Turkish pilgrims plus connections from Europe/USA.
Amman (AMM) — Jordan
Royal Jordanian hub. Easy combined Petra + Hajj/Umrah trip.
Practical tips most guides miss
- Ihram on the plane: Many airlines (Saudia, EgyptAir) announce ihram changing room availability before crossing the miqat boundary. Plan for changing on board, not in airport.
- Bring USD/EUR cash: Saudi visa fees and on-the-ground transactions sometimes need foreign currency. ATMs work but card payment isn't universal at smaller services.
- Saudi SIM at airport: Buy a STC or Mobily SIM at JED/MED arrivals (~SAR 50). Required for Nusuk app, government services, ride-hailing.
- Heat — June/July/August: Day temperatures regularly 45 °C+ during Hajj season. Hydrate aggressively. Saudi authorities provide free water at all sites.
- Avoid Friday flights at JED: Friday is the busiest day at JED (weekly day off). Allow 4+ hours instead of standard 3.
- Do NOT bring: Religious imagery from other faiths (icons, statues). Saudi customs may confiscate. Single Bibles for personal use generally allowed.
Baggage allowance for pilgrims
Most airlines on Hajj/Umrah routes offer enhanced baggage allowance:
- Saudia: 32 kg checked + 7 kg cabin (typical Hajj fare)
- EgyptAir: 23 kg checked + 7 kg cabin
- Turkish Airlines: 30 kg checked + 8 kg cabin
- Pakistan/India Hajj charters: Often 40 kg+ (mission-arranged)
Returning home: Most pilgrims bring back Zamzam water (5L containers). Allowed in checked baggage if sealed; airlines provide special packaging.