🚨 New Haj 2026 Rules OUT | Everything You Must Know Before You Apply (Don’t Miss)

Are you planning to go for Haj in 2026? The Government of India has just released the latest Haj 2026 Policy, and it’s packed with important updates. Whether you are applying for the first time or helping a loved one apply, this guide will help you understand everything in a simple and clear way.

Let’s dive into the Haj 2026 step-by-step guide with all the key information you need to know.

✅ Who Can Apply for Haj 2026?

Any Muslim citizen of India can apply for Haj, but there are some rules:

• Only once in a lifetime: You can go for Haj through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) only once in your life.
• Valid Passport: You must have a valid, machine-readable Indian passport.
• Physically Fit: You should be healthy—physically and mentally fit.
• Minimum Age: No children below 12 years can go for Haj.
• Pregnant Women: Women in the advanced stage of pregnancy are not allowed.
• Legal Conditions: If there’s a court order stopping your foreign travel, you cannot go.

👳 Haj for Senior Citizens (Age 65+)

Going for Haj is physically hard. You may need to walk up to 25 km in one day. That’s why:

• People aged 65 or older must take a companion.
• The companion must be between 18 to 60 years of age.
• If a woman is going without a Mehram (male relative) and is 65+, she must go with a female companion aged 45–60.

Also, applicants aged 65+ must fill a special declaration form to get priority.

👩 Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) – Big Update!

Women aged 45 or more can go for Haj without a male Mehram if their school of thought allows.

• They must travel in groups of at least 4 women.
• If they are 65+, they must take a female companion aged 45–60.
• HCoI and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah will arrange separate accommodations for them.

📱 Haj Suvidha App & Smart Band

The Government of India has launched the “Haj Suvidha App” to make things easier:

• You can see training videos, flight details, baggage info, and emergency helpline.
• Language translation and feedback options are also included.
• A smart wristband may also be given, with features like:
  • Location tracking
  • Step counter (pedometer)
  • Qibla direction
  • Health tracking

This is a great step to help all Haj pilgrims stay safe and informed.

📝 How to Apply for Haj 2026?

You can apply in two ways:

1. Visit the official website: hajcommittee.gov.in
2. Use the Haj Suvidha App on your phone.

👨‍👩‍👧 Cover Size & Family Rules

• A “Cover” means one application group. It can have 1 to 5 adults.
• All members must be family or close relatives only.
• One member must act as the head of the cover and make all payments.
• You cannot change your Mehram unless it’s a death or serious medical issue.

🔢 Priority for Selection

Seats are given in this order:

1. People aged 65+ (including women without Mehram).
2. Women without Mehram aged 45–65.
3. General category applicants.

If there are more applications than seats in your state, a computerized draw (Qurrah) will be held.

📅 Short Haj Package (New in 2026)

HCoI is offering a Short Haj Package for those who can’t stay long:

• Duration: 20 days only.
• Total seats: 10,000 pilgrims.
• Available from 7 cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Ahmedabad.

If more people apply, a separate draw will be done just for the short package.

🕌 Adahi (Qurbani) Services

Qurbani (sacrifice) must be done only through authorized agencies in Saudi Arabia.

• You can choose this option during the application.
• The entire group (cover) must opt in together.
• Coupons cannot be canceled after selection.

💉 Health Rules and Vaccination

All pilgrims must be medically fit. Two health checkups are required:

1. At the time of application.
2. Before boarding the flight (at the airport).

Mandatory Vaccines:

• Meningitis Vaccine
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) – Must be taken 6 weeks before departure
• Other vaccines as per Saudi rules.

Senior citizens (60+) will have extra screening to ensure they are fit for the journey.

💵 Payment & Bank Details

• Once selected, you’ll receive a unique bank reference number.
• Pay using this number at State Bank of India or other authorized banks.
• Missing a payment or document may cancel your application.

🏨 Accommodation

• HCoI will arrange accommodation in Makkah and Madinah.
• Charges are fixed for the whole season, even if your stay is shorter.
• If you are eligible to stay in Rubat, you will not be charged for it.

✈️ Haj 2026 Embarkation Points (Airports)

You will choose 2 preferred airports while applying. The main Haj airports are:

• Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata
• Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Guwahati, Jaipur
• Lucknow, Indore, Srinagar, Kannur, Calicut, Gaya, Nagpur

If your selected airport doesn’t have enough pilgrims, you may be shifted to another nearby EP.

⚠️ Cancellation & Refunds

You can cancel your journey if:

• There is a death or major illness.
• A cancellation letter must be submitted to the State Haj Committee.
• Refunds will be processed within one month by HCoI.

⚖️ Legal Note

HCoI works without profit and only collects money for necessary services. You cannot file a case under Consumer Protection Act for any issue that is beyond their control.

♿ Special Help for People with Disabilities

• People with disabilities (Divyangjan) must travel with a fit blood relative or spouse.
• Repeat pilgrims can join as helpers.
• The Indian Haj Mission will provide help based on needs, including wheelchair support and assistance.

⏱️ How Long Will You Stay?

The total duration of stay in Saudi Arabia is between 40 to 45 days.

For short Haj package: 20 days only.

You will not get a refund if your stay is shorter, as the buildings are booked for the full season.

Private Hajj Package:

💡 Final Words

The Haj 2026 policy is full of helpful changes that make it easier, safer, and more organized for Indian Muslims. From online applications to health safety, smart wristbands, and special care for senior citizens and women—everything is thoughtfully designed.

📌 Apply early, follow the rules, and stay updated using the Haj Suvidha App.

Full PDF of Haj 2026 Guide

May your Haj be accepted and easy, InshaAllah!

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🕌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Haj 2026