NAHCON and Saudi Arabia have rolled out several changes for 2026 to make the pilgrimage more organized and secure. Here are the 5 biggest ones for Nigerian pilgrims:
1. Early ticketing & digital linking of ticket to Nusuk Card
NAHCON directed all 2026 Hajj carriers to issue flight tickets to pilgrims before departure.
– Your ticket is now digitally linked to your Nusuk Card, hotel allocation, and bus assignment in Saudi Arabia.
– Why: To stop errors in pre-arrival data sent to Saudi Arabia that disrupt Nusuk card issuance and logistics.
– Consequence: Missing your flight now attracts “grave consequences”. No-shows may have to pay for the unused seat.
2. Fixed group system – no group changes after visa issuance
Once your visa is issued, you cannot change groups.
– Each group has 45 pilgrims who travel, stay in the same hotel in Makkah, Madinah and Masha’ir, and return together under one leader.
– Pre-arrival data for each group must be uploaded to Nusuk Masar 72 hours before departure.
3. Stricter medical fitness requirements
Saudi Arabia intensified health clearance rules.
– Only pilgrims certified medically fit and free from 9 disqualifying conditions like major organ failure, active infectious diseases, severe psychiatric/neurological disorders, and high-risk pregnancies will be cleared to travel.
– Medical forms must carry the doctor’s MDCN registration number. Random checks will be done on arrival.
– An extra screening stage was added at departure centers.
4. Reduced quota & first-come-first-served slot allocation
– Nigeria’s quota for 2026 is 95,000 slots, same as before, but Saudi Arabia reduced the overall quota compared to earlier plans.
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