Egypt's Ministry of Interior has announced that it will begin accepting applications for the 2027 Hajj lottery, known locally as Hajj al-Qura, from Wednesday 12 August 2026 until Thursday 27 August 2026. The move opens the formal registration process for Egyptian citizens hoping to perform Hajj in the 1448 AH season.
The lottery is one of the main channels through which Egyptians secure a Hajj place, alongside tourism and other authorised programmes. Because demand for Hajj far exceeds Egypt's annual quota, the government uses a draw to allocate places fairly among applicants who meet the requirements.
How the lottery works
Under the Hajj al-Qura system, eligible citizens submit applications during the announced window through the designated official channels. Places are then allocated by a random draw rather than on a first-come basis, which is intended to give applicants across the country an equal chance. Applicants who are selected proceed to payment and the rest of the administrative steps, while those who are not may reapply in future seasons.
The Ministry of Interior manages the security and administrative side of the process, while Hajj arrangements in Egypt are coordinated across several official bodies. Announcing the dates well ahead of the season gives applicants time to prepare documents and confirm they meet the criteria before the window opens on 12 August.
Part of the wider 2027 season
Egypt's announcement is one of many national registration processes now under way for Hajj 1448 AH. Countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have already set their own timetables, deadlines and quotas for the 2027 pilgrimage, reflecting the scale of coordination required each year between Saudi Arabia and the countries that send pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia has separately opened early preparations for the 2027 season, including a restructured package system and new service standards for operators. National missions such as Egypt's typically finalise their arrangements with the Saudi authorities after domestic registration closes and quotas are confirmed.
What applicants should know
For Egyptian citizens, the key point is the two-week application window from 12 to 27 August 2026. Missing it means waiting for a future season, so intending pilgrims are advised to prepare early. As with all Hajj registration, applicants should rely only on official government channels and avoid unofficial intermediaries who may charge for access to what is a state-run process.
Practical tips
Egyptian applicants should gather required identification and documents before the window opens on 12 August and submit through official channels only. Confirm eligibility requirements in advance, including any age and health conditions, and ensure passport validity covers the travel period. Keep a record of the application reference and any confirmation issued at submission. Applicants should be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed Hajj places outside the lottery, as places are allocated by official draw. Those not selected this year should note the outcome and prepare to reapply in a future season.