Qatar has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj season, giving citizens and residents a one-month window to apply for a limited number of places. According to the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, registration opened at midnight on Sunday, September 20, and runs until October 20, 2026. The country's quota for the season is 4,400 pilgrims.

The ministry, represented by its Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, said applications must be completed exclusively through the official Hajj portal at hajj.gov.qa. Applicants can register, select an approved Hajj campaign, and sign contracts electronically through a single unified platform.

How registration works

The ministry said early registration follows the approved Hajj preparation schedule. Opening the window months ahead of the season allows licensed campaigns to complete their operational and contractual arrangements in advance, which the ministry said improves the quality and efficiency of services offered to pilgrims.

Electronic screening of applications will begin immediately after registration closes on October 20. Acceptance notifications will be sent by SMS to eligible applicants from the end of October. The ministry described the registration system for Hajj 1448 AH as upgraded, with more flexible mechanisms for contracting and electronic payment with approved campaigns.

Completing the contracting process requires a payment of 10,000 Qatari riyals through the electronic system. The ministry stressed that this is not a registration fee. The amount counts as an advance payment toward the final cost of the Hajj programme, and is intended to confirm that applicants are serious and to let campaigns finalise their preparations. The final cost will vary by campaign depending on accommodation, transport, meals, and support services.

Health certificate now mandatory

A significant requirement this season is the health fitness certificate. The ministry said obtaining a certificate confirming medical eligibility is a mandatory step for registration, in line with requirements approved by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The certificate is available through health centres across Qatar. Applicants undergo a medical examination, and the results are entered electronically into the system linked to the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs. The ministry said the requirement aims to protect pilgrims' health, help them perform the rites safely, and reduce potential health risks during the pilgrimage.

Who is eligible

Eligibility rules differ by category. For Qatari citizens, applicants must be at least 18 years old, and up to three companions may be added under a single application.

For residents and citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council states, the conditions are stricter. Applicants must be at least 45 years old, must not have previously performed Hajj, and must have maintained continuous residence in Qatar for at least 15 years. They may add one companion only.

The ministry urged applicants to review the season's rules carefully and to include all companions in the original application from the registration stage, warning that adding them later could cause delays or complications.

Practical tips for applicants

  • Complete the health fitness examination at an approved health centre before starting the online application, since the certificate is required to register.
  • Register only through the official portal at hajj.gov.qa and avoid unofficial pages or social media offers.
  • Add every intended companion in the original application to avoid problems later.
  • Be ready to pay the 10,000 riyal advance to confirm a contract with a campaign, and keep in mind this counts toward the total cost.
  • Watch for the SMS acceptance notification from the end of October, and contact the Department of Hajj and Umrah Affairs on its hotline 132 for enquiries.

The opening of registration is part of what the ministry described as ongoing efforts to develop the Hajj system through expanded digital solutions and streamlined procedures.