Soliu Oyesiji.
Egypt has effectively ended its long-standing practice of state-subsidised Hajj, replacing it with a lottery system and fully paid pilgrimage packages ahead of the 2026 Hajj season.
Under the new arrangement, the Egyptian government has stopped funding Hajj trips for public sector workers, citing economic pressures and the need to conserve foreign currency amid ongoing currency devaluation. As a result, intending pilgrims are now required to apply through a lottery system and travel under paid packages organised by private tour companies.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has opened registration for the 2026 Hajj exercise, warning that only licensed travel agencies are authorised to manage pilgrimage arrangements. Officials stressed that participation through unofficial or unregistered operators would not be recognised.
Authorities said the policy shift follows years of economic strain, with the government prioritising economic stability over subsidising religious travel. The move also comes in the wake of the 2024 Hajj, during which a high number of Egyptian pilgrims reportedly died, prompting a crackdown on illegal, fraudulent and negligent tour operators. Several companies have since had their licences revoked.
With the new policy in place, Egyptians seeking to perform Hajj in 2026 must apply through official, paid channels, marking a major change in the country’s pilgrimage administration.
