ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced an extension in the deadline for biometric registration for Hajj 2026.
The new deadline for biometric registration will be open until February 17 which allows pilgrims to finish their biometric registration.
The ministry spokesperson explained that Saudi Hajj visas now require tourists to complete biometric verification as part of the application process. The deadline for completing the biometric process will determine whether pilgrims receive their Hajj visa which permits them to perform Hajj this year.
The spokesperson announced that biometric registration will not be accepted after February 17. The pilgrims should complete their process immediately because any delay will cause problems for them.
The Saudi Visa Bio mobile application allows pilgrims to handle their biometric registration from their home. Tasheer centers will remain operational to help people who need visa applications.
The ministry confirmed that pilgrims who reach 80 years of age or older will not need to undergo biometric screening. Their fingerprints and facial scans will not be taken. Their passport will be scanned, and a confirmation email will be sent to their inbox. After completing the process, pilgrims should ask for a receipt.
The officials requested all pilgrims who plan to travel to complete their biometric registration at Saudi visa centers or through the mobile app before the deadline.
Mandatory biometric verification introduced for hajj visas
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed intending Hajj pilgrims to complete their biometric verification by February 8, 2026, warning that failure to do so may affect the processing of Saudi visas.
According to an official statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, a new set of instructions has been notified for Hajj pilgrims, stating that biometric verification must be completed through the Saudi Visa Bio application within the stipulated deadline.
The spokesperson said pilgrims can complete fingerprint verification from their homes using the mobile application “Saudi Visa Bio.”
To facilitate applicants, Tasheer centres will also remain open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm.
The ministry has urged all intending pilgrims to ensure timely completion of the biometric process to avoid delays in visa issuance.
