ACCRA, Ghana – The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has issued an urgent directive to all prospective pilgrims, setting Monday, February 16, 2026, as the final deadline for the submission of passports for visa processing.
The announcement, released on February 12, emphasizes that this deadline is strict and non-negotiable. Any individual who fails to submit their documents by this date will be ineligible to participate in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Mandatory Compliance for All Applicants
According to the PAOG, the directive applies to every Ghanaian who has fully paid for the 2026 Hajj. This includes:
● Pilgrims who paid through accredited Hajj agents.
● Those who made direct payments to the Pilgrims Affairs Office.
● Individuals under special Hajj payment arrangements.
Saudi Deadlines and Process Speed
The Communications Director of PAOG, Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamptey Hussein, explained that the timeframe was mandated by the Saudi Arabian authorities to ensure the timely issuance of visas.
“The visa process is on a very tight schedule,” Alhaji Lamptey Hussein noted. “To ensure a smooth journey and avoid any administrative bottlenecks, it is imperative that all passports are received by the February 16 cutoff.”
Support for Urgent Cases
Recognizing the short notice, the PAOG confirmed it is working in close collaboration with the National Passport Office to assist pilgrims requiring urgent passport services or renewals.
The Office has apologized for the tight window but stressed that full cooperation from the public and Hajj agents is necessary to prevent any Ghanaian from missing out on this year’s spiritual exercise.
Prospective pilgrims are advised to contact their agents or visit the PAOG headquarters immediately to ensure their documentation is secured before the Monday deadline.
