Somalia Opens 2027 Hajj Registration With New Rules, Mandatory $2,000 Deposit
Somalia has launched registration for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, requiring prospective pilgrims to register early through licensed travel companies, pay a mandatory $2,000 deposit, and use a new digital registration system designed to improve transparency and protect travelers from fraud.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somalia has officially launched preparations for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, announcing a new registration timetable and stricter requirements designed to improve the organization of the annual journey while protecting prospective pilgrims from fraudulent travel operators.
In a statement issued Monday, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs urged all Somalis intending to perform Hajj in 2027 (1448 AH) to begin registering immediately through travel companies licensed by the ministry.
The announcement follows the release of Saudi Arabia’s official Hajj calendar and marks the start of nationwide preparations for one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
Under the new guidelines, every prospective pilgrim must submit a valid passport together with a mandatory advance payment of US$2,000 to an authorized Hajj service provider. Officials said early registration is necessary to allow sufficient time for visa processing, accommodation bookings, transportation arrangements, and coordination with Saudi authorities.
The ministry stressed that only officially licensed companies will be permitted to organize Hajj travel for Somali citizens, warning that dealing with unauthorized operators could result in financial losses, visa complications, or failure to travel.
As part of broader reforms, Somalia will continue expanding its electronic Hajj registration system for the 2027 season. Licensed travel companies will be required to enter all pilgrim information into a centralized digital platform aimed at improving transparency, reducing paperwork, enhancing data accuracy, and accelerating coordination with Saudi authorities.
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Officials said the system will also strengthen government oversight by allowing real-time monitoring of registrations and ensuring that only eligible pilgrims receive travel approval.
The ministry directed all licensed Hajj companies to provide comprehensive travel packages covering transportation, accommodation, meals, and medical assistance throughout pilgrims’ stay in Saudi Arabia.
Travel operators will also be required to sign formal contracts with every pilgrim before departure. The agreements must clearly outline the services being provided as well as the rights and responsibilities of both parties, a measure intended to improve accountability and reduce disputes.
Although registration has opened, the ministry said the final cost of Hajj packages has not yet been determined. Officials explained that prices will be announced after consultations with Saudi service providers and an assessment of transportation, accommodation, catering, and other operational costs.
Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey. Each year, thousands of Somali pilgrims travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah alongside millions of Muslims from around the world.
The ministry said the early launch of the registration process is intended to provide more time for administrative procedures, improve service delivery, and ensure a more organized, transparent, and secure Hajj experience for Somali pilgrims in 2027.
About the Author
Aden Warsame is a Senior Reporter at Somali Report, covering politics, security, diplomacy, business, and regional affairs across Somalia and the Horn of Africa.