If performing Hajj is on your 2026 bucket list, Oman has just dropped the official registration dates—and the process is fully online. But here’s the catch: registering doesn’t guarantee a spot. With demand soaring and quotas limited, understanding the timeline and requirements is key.
Let’s break it all down so you won’t miss your chance at this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey.
Key Dates You Should Bookmark
Oman’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has officially announced the online registration window for Hajj 2026 (1447 AH):
- Registration opens: September 23, 2025
- Deadline to apply: October 8, 2025
👉 Applications outside this window will not be considered.
Once applications close, a fair and transparent automated selection process will determine who gets approved, based on Oman’s quota from Saudi Arabia.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Omani citizens and expatriate residents
- Must be 18 years or older
- Registration requires either:
- Civil number or ID card
- Mobile number linked to Oman’s national authentication system
📲 Your registered mobile number is crucial—it will be used for all official updates, from text messages to emails about your Hajj journey.
Selection & Allocation Timeline
Successful applicants will be notified in three phases:
- First allocation: October 14 – 30, 2025
- Second allocation: November 2 – 6, 2025
- Third allocation: November 9 – 11, 2025
Each pilgrim will receive a text message confirming their slot.
⚠️ Important: Slots are non-transferable. If someone declines, the system automatically reassigns the spot to the next eligible applicant.
What’s Next?
By September 15, 2025, the ministry is expected to release the complete Hajj activity timeline, including:
- Final entry deadlines for pilgrims arriving by land and air
- Administrative cut-off dates
- Guidelines for approved applicants
This clarity will help prospective pilgrims plan flights, accommodation, and other logistics.
Expert Insight: Why Early Prep Matters
According to Gulf News, Hajj applications are becoming increasingly competitive. Travel industry observers note that early prep ensures smoother visa applications and lower airfare.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Harthy, a religious scholar based in Muscat, told Times of Oman:
“Applicants should take the guidelines seriously. Hajj is not just about being selected, but about fulfilling the journey with honesty, patience, and complete preparation.”
