Biometric verification deadline for Hajj 2026 Pilgrims announced

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has announced the last date for biometric verification for Hajj 2026 pilgrims.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, all pilgrims must complete the biometric process by February 8 for Hajj visa processing, otherwise the Hajj visa will not be issued.

According to APP, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs has clarified that biometric verification is a mandatory condition for the issuance of Hajj visa and no concession will be given at this stage.

The spokesperson said that Hajj pilgrims can also seek guidance and assistance from their respective banks for their convenience, where trained staff will assist them in explaining the complete procedure.

The ministry said that the modern Saudi Visa Bio app introduced by the Saudi government is the easiest and preferred method for pilgrims, this app can be easily downloaded from the mobile play store. Pilgrims have been instructed to register on the app through their email, scan their passport, upload a selfie and verify the fingerprints of both hands. After completing all the steps, the pilgrims will receive a confirmation email, which must be kept safe for the future Hajj process.

According to the ministry, some pilgrims may face difficulties in registering or verifying their fingerprints through the app. For the convenience of such pilgrims, 6 Tashir centers have been established across the country, where the biometric verification process can be completed. These centers are located in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan and Quetta.

Tashir centers are located at Awami Trade Center G-9 in Islamabad, The Enterprise Building near Thokar Niaz Baig in Lahore, FTC Building Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi, Al-Haj Tower University Road in Peshawar, Crystal Mall Bosan Road in Multan and Mimar Plaza Khojak Road in Quetta.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs said that the working hours of the Tashir Centers have been fixed from Monday to Friday, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Pilgrims have been strictly instructed to complete the biometric process as soon as possible without waiting for the last date to avoid any hassle or delay.