The Haj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a profound spiritual journey undertaken by millions of Muslims worldwide each year. For Indian pilgrims, the Haj Policy 2026, notified by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, outlines the framework for organizing and facilitating the pilgrimage. This policy ensures a structured, fair, and efficient process for applicants, with a focus on inclusivity, safety, and adherence to guidelines from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). India’s Haj quota for 2026 has been fixed at 175,025 pilgrims under the bilateral agreement signed with Saudi Arabia. This article provides full details on eligibility, application procedures, quota allocation, payments, health requirements, and other essential aspects to help prospective pilgrims prepare.

Key Highlights of Haj Policy 2026

• Quota Division: Out of the total quota allocated to India, 70% is managed by the Haj Committee of India (HCoI), and 30% by registered Haj Group Organisers (HGOs).
• Once-in-a-Lifetime Rule: Haj through HCoI is permitted only once in a lifetime, except for companions or Mehrams in specific cases.
• Age Restrictions and Companions: Pilgrims aged 65 and above must have a companion. No children below 12 years are eligible.
• Ladies Without Mehram (LWM): Women aged 45 and above can travel in groups of four or more if their school of thought permits.
• Haj Suvidha App and Wristband: A dedicated app provides training, flight details, helplines, and more. A smart wristband with features like location tracking and health monitoring may be issued.
• Short Haj Package: A new 20-day package for up to 10,000 pilgrims at select embarkation points.
• Application Period: Online applications were open from July 7, 2025, to July 31, 2025, with possible extensions.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is based on physical, financial, behavioral, and mental fitness as per Saudi guidelines. Indian Muslim citizens can apply, except for the following exclusions:

• Passport Requirements: Must hold a machine-readable valid Indian international passport issued before the application closing date and valid until at least December 31, 2026.
• Repeaters Ban: Individuals who have performed Haj through HCoI before are ineligible, except as Mehrams for ladies or companions for pilgrims aged 65+ (including LWM aged 65+). Repeaters in these cases pay additional charges.
• Medical Exclusions: Those with severe conditions like terminal cancers, advanced cardiac/respiratory/liver/kidney diseases, infectious tuberculosis, senility, active cancer on chemotherapy, or contagious diseases.
• Age Limits: Children under 12 years are not allowed. Pregnant women in advanced stages follow international flying standards.
• LWM Specifics: Women aged 45+ without a male Mehram can apply in groups of 4+. Single applicants may be grouped by HCoI. For LWM aged 65+, a female companion aged 45-60 is mandatory.
• Other Restrictions: Persons with court orders prohibiting travel abroad, or those under 18 without parental/legal guardian consent.
• Persons with Special Needs (Divyangjan): Eligible with a companion; a solemn declaration is required affirming no prior Haj and availability of a relative as companion.

Applicants must submit a solemn declaration confirming eligibility, with false information leading to disqualification, forfeiture of deposits, and possible prosecution.

Application Process

Applications are fully digital and free of processing fees at submission.

1. How to Apply:
   • Fill the Haj Application Form (HAF) online at www.hajcommittee.gov.in or via the “HAJ SUVIDHA” app (available on Android and iOS).
   • Upload: First and last page of passport, passport-size photo (white background, 480px x 640px), cancelled cheque or bank passbook of cover head, and address proof (Aadhaar, bank passbook, etc., if address differs from passport).
   • Mobile number and bank account of the cover head are mandatory for updates and refunds.
2. Cover Size and Composition:
   • Minimum 1, maximum 5 adults per cover (family members or near relatives only).
   • If more than 5, use multiple covers. Head of cover handles payments.
3. Solemn Declarations:
   • General applicants: Affirm no prior Haj through HCoI.
   • Aged 65+: Affirm companion details and no first-time companion available if using a repeater.
   • LWM: Group details.
   • Repeaters (as companions): Declare no other eligible companion available.
4. Submission of Documents:
   • Provisionally selected pilgrims submit printed HAF, passport copy, medical certificate, and payment slip to State/UT Haj Committee (SHC) within one week of Qurrah (draw of lots).
   • Original passports are submitted later as per circulars; retained by HCoI until departure.
5. Closing Date: July 31, 2025 (extended in some cases).

Quota Distribution and Selection

• Total Quota: 175,025 pilgrims.
• HCoI Share: 70% (after deducting seats for State Haj Inspectors at 1:150 ratio).
• State/UT Allocation: Proportional to Muslim population.
• Priority Order:
  1. Aged 65+ (including LWM 65+ with companions).
  2. LWM aged 45-65.
  3. General category.
• Qurrah (Draw of Lots): Conducted if applications exceed quota. Separate waiting lists for each category.
• Surplus Seats: First to Mehrams (up to 500), then Jammu & Kashmir (up to 2,000), small states, and finally proportional redistribution.

Payments and Confirmation

• Bank Reference Number: Allocated to selected pilgrims for payments.
• Payment Modes: Online (credit/debit card, net banking) or deposit at SBI/Union Bank branches using pay-in-slip.
• Advance Amount: Rs. 1,52,300 (Rs. 1,50,000 advance + Rs. 2,000 miscellaneous + Rs. 300 processing fee).
• Confirmation: Submit payment proof and medical certificate to SHC within one week of Qurrah. Provisional selection confirmed on document receipt.
• Balance Amount: Informed later based on SAR exchange rates for visa, accommodation, transport, etc. Paid in installments.
• Visa Fee: Pilgrims pay as levied by KSA.
• Refunds: For cancellations, admissible after deductions; processed digitally.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

• Medical Screening: Two-stage process – at application and embarkation. Mandatory for all; additional for aged 60+.
• Vaccinations: Meningitis (ACYW135) and polio (OPV/IPV) mandatory. Influenza for high-risk groups.
• Fitness Certificate: Format in guidelines; certifies no excluded conditions.
• Prohibited Items: Khas-khas, Viagra, narcotics, etc., lead to cancellation and penalties.

Flights, Accommodation, and Other Arrangements

• Embarkation Points: 21 points across India; HCoI may change based on feasibility.
• Flights: Chartered by MoCA; details via app. Shia pilgrims opting for Johfa as Meeqat pay extra.
• Accommodation: In Makkah/Madinah, categorized by distance. Rubat and metro transport subject to KSA terms.
• Baggage: 22 kg check-in + 10 kg hand baggage per pilgrim.
• Nusuk Card: Mandatory in KSA for access; non-possession may lead to penalties.
• Short Haj Package: 20 days, available at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai; separate Qurrah if oversubscribed.

Cancellations and Refunds

• Submit cancellation form to SHC with reasons (death, medical, etc.) and documents.
• Refunds: Full minus deductions; no refund after certain stages or for no-shows.
• Automatic cancellation if Mehram/companion cancels.

Important Advisories

• HCoI operates without profit; not under Consumer Protection Act. Disputes under Mumbai courts only.
• Pilgrims must use Haj Suvidha App for updates.
• No liability for KSA changes or cancellations.
• For queries: Contact HCoI at ceo.hajcommittee@nic.in or zonal offices.

This policy aims to make Haj 2026 smoother and more accessible. Prospective pilgrims should apply early and stay updated via official channels. Haj Mubarak!