The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a final warning to intending pilgrims: biometric verification is now a mandatory requirement for the issuance of a Saudi Hajj visa.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the final deadline to complete this process is February 17, 2026.
Pilgrims who fail to complete their biometrics by this date will be ineligible for a Hajj visa, as Saudi authorities have tightened digital protocols under Vision 2030 to streamline immigration.
How to Complete Biometrics
The ministry has provided two main methods to facilitate pilgrims and avoid overcrowding.
Saudi Visa Bio Mobile App
Pilgrims can complete their fingerprint and facial scanning from the comfort of their homes using the official “Saudi Visa Bio” app (available on Android and iOS). This process typically takes less than 10 minutes.
Tasheer Centers
For those unable to use the mobile app, Tasheer Centers across Pakistan remain open to assist with physical biometric enrollment.
Important Exemption for Elderly Pilgrims
In a significant move to facilitate senior citizens, the ministry confirmed that pilgrims aged 80 and above are exempt from biometric scanning.
- No Fingerprints/Facial Scan: These pilgrims do not need to scan their fingers or faces.
- Passport Scanning: Their process will be completed simply by scanning their passports.
- Confirmation: Once processed, they will receive a confirmation email verifying their status.
