The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning to Nigerian intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, cautioning that anyone caught performing the holy pilgrimage without a valid Hajj visa will face a fine of SR20,000 (about N8.15 million) and imprisonment.
The warning came during a virtual meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to review preparations for next year’s exercise. The session was presided over by Dr. Rania Adham of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.
In a statement, NAHCON said Saudi authorities emphasized strict compliance with all deadlines, stressing that no extensions would be granted. Among the key dates are November 2025 for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), January 4, 2026, as the deadline for camp booking payments and service contract confirmations, and February 1, 2026, for uploading transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal. The final deadline for visa issuance remains the 1st of Shawwal.
Saudi officials expressed concern over repeated delays by Nigeria in past preparations, warning that such lapses could negatively affect the welfare and overall experience of Nigerian pilgrims during the Hajj. They also reiterated that all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be processed exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.
Responding, NAHCON Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured the Saudi Ministry of Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring a smooth operation. He pledged that the commission would work closely with all stakeholders to meet the deadlines and requirements.
“NAHCON will collaborate with partners to ensure compliance with all deadlines and requirements, with the goal of guaranteeing a smooth, well-coordinated 2026 Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.
The latest directive highlights Saudi Arabia’s push for stricter enforcement of Hajj visa regulations amid rising global demand for pilgrimage slots. For Nigerian Muslims planning to embark on the 2026 Hajj, the warning underscores the financial and legal risks of attempting to travel outside official procedures.