Bahrain to open 2026 Hajj registration tommorrow: Key details, guidelines every pilgrim needs to know

Registration for Bahrain’s 2026 Hajj opens September 3 at 9 AM, allowing applicants to include up to four companions/ Image: File

Starting Wednesday, September 3, at 9:00 AM, Bahrain will open online registration for citizens and eligible residents intending to perform Hajj in the 1447 AH (2026) season. The registration period will remain open until midnight on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Registration now open for 2026 Hajj season

The Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs has officially announced the start of Hajj registration for the 1447 AH (2026) pilgrimage season. Beginning at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, applicants will be able to submit their Hajj requests via the official online Hajj platform at haj.gov.bh. The window for registration will remain open until 11:59 PM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.To access the service, users must log in using the updated eKey 2.0 application, which is integrated with Bahrain’s National Portal (bahrain.bh). As part of the registration requirements, applicants must also ensure their contact information is updated in the Government Notifications System (NotifyMe), to receive timely alerts related to Hajj procedures.Each applicant is required to hold a valid Bahraini ID card and may include up to four companions under one application. All individuals listed on the application will need to undergo identity verification and must confirm that they are free of any medical conditions that could hinder them from performing Hajj, in accordance with an approved health screening list. The platform enables applicants to view the profiles and service offers of authorised Hajj operators. However, the Committee has instructed these operators not to publish any unapproved service details during this initial stage. All operators must complete and update their profiles and service offerings to allow full transparency for prospective pilgrims.Upon closing of the registration period, applications will be evaluated. Those who meet the eligibility criteria will receive preliminary acceptance notifications, issued based on the priority and order of registration.

Campaign selection, payment & contractual formalities

Once applicants receive their acceptance notices, a dedicated period will follow for licensed Hajj campaign operators to publicly release their packages and pricing. This stage will precede the selection of campaigns by approved applicants, with the specific timeline for campaign selection to be announced later by the Committee.Unlike last year’s procedures, campaign selection this year will only begin after official acceptance notifications are sent. Beginning September 16, 2025, accepted pilgrims will be able to log in and choose their preferred Hajj campaign, confirm their selection, and proceed to payment of BD 150 per person. This amount will count as part of the total package cost and must be accompanied by the signing of a unified electronic contract between the pilgrim and the selected Hajj operator.The Committee confirmed it has received 67 applications from Hajj campaigns interested in operating during the 1447 AH season. These will undergo regulatory checks before final listing.

The role of the Supreme Committee and the Hajj Platform

The Supreme Committee for Hajj and Umrah Affairs is responsible for overseeing all preparations and operations related to Hajj and Umrah for Bahraini pilgrims. It works year-round to ensure that travel, logistics, licensing, and coordination with Saudi authorities are handled efficiently and in line with regulations.Under its mandate, the Committee:

The digital Hajj Platform (haj.gov.bh), maintained by the Committee, is a comprehensive portal through which citizens, residents, and GCC nationals can register for Hajj for themselves or others. It centralises:

Bahrain’s Labour Law entitles Muslim employees to dedicated leave for the purpose of Hajj. This provision is available only once during an individual’s employment lifecycle and varies by nationality and service duration:Bahraini Muslim employees are entitled to 21 calendar days of fully paid leave, available once at any time during their career.Non-Bahraini Muslim employees who have completed five consecutive years of service with their current employer are eligible for 14 working days of fully paid leave, also granted once during their employment (unless previously availed from another employer).

Understanding Hajj and its significance

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a compulsory pilgrimage for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. It takes place annually in the Islamic month of Dhu’l-Hijjah, with rituals beginning on the 8th and concluding on the 13th of the month.For Bahraini Muslims, Hajj is not only a religious obligation but a deeply supported national effort. The Government of Bahrain, through the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, and the Supreme Committee, works in close cooperation with Saudi authorities to facilitate this spiritual journey. This includes:

These systems are designed to improve the quality of services provided to pilgrims and ensure they can plan their journey with clarity and confidence. Go to Source