Dhaka, Feb. 7 -- Saudi Arabia has announced that visas for the 2026 Hajj season will formally begin on Feb 8, marking the first stage in the kingdom's early operational timeline for pilgrims.

Preparations have been underway for months to ensure accommodation, transport and services are fully ready ahead of arrivals.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah unveiled the schedule as part of detailed planning for Hajj affairs offices worldwide, Gulf News reports.

The Dubai-based daily added that the first groups of pilgrims are expected to arrive from Apr 18.

Preparations for the 2026 season began in June 2025, when the Saudi ministry issued preliminary planning documents to Hajj offices.

The newspaper noted that early access to detailed camp dat...