Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has appealed to pilgrims traveling through private tour operators to apply early and choose only approved Haj Group Organizers (HGO) and Private Tour Operators (PTO).
Minister Kiren Rijiju, while sharing an official advisory on social media platform 'X' today, emphasized that pilgrims traveling through private operators should apply early and choose only government-approved Haj Group Organizers or Private Tour Operators. He clarified that if booking is completed by January 15, 2026, the last-minute rush and inconvenience can be avoided, ensuring timely and effective arrangements for accommodation, transportation, and other necessary arrangements for the sacred journey of Haj.
In this regard, the government has issued an advisory, advising pilgrims traveling through private tour operators to complete their booking by January 15 next year. Pilgrims are also advised to verify before booking whether the HGO or PTO is recognized by the government. Ensure to check the registration status and quota of the operator before booking.
The advisory states that the last date for finalizing accommodation and service contracts in Saudi Arabia has been set as February 1, 2026, to ensure that HGO and PTO can make timely arrangements for hotels and transportation for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.