Hajj Lottery vs. Tourism Hajj in Egypt: What’s the Difference?

Every year many of our clients ask: “Should I apply for the Hajj lottery or for Tourism Hajj?” The two routes differ in who organises them, how you apply, the age rules and whether you can give your place to someone else. This guide explains the difference step by step, based on the official rules announced for the 1448 AH season.

1. What is the Hajj lottery (Hajj al-Qur’a)?

The Hajj lottery is organised by Egypt’s Ministry of Interior. For the 1448 AH season, applications ran from 12 to 27 August 2026 through three channels:

• In person at police stations in the security directorates.
• Online through the Egyptian Unified Hajj Portal.
• By phone through the ministry’s voice centre.

The main announced conditions: Egyptian nationality, a valid national ID card, never having performed Hajj before, and medical fitness. The minimum age is 21 for the applicant and 18 for a mandatory companion. A winner may give up their place only to a parent, child or spouse, under set rules and deadlines.

2. What is Tourism Hajj?

Tourism Hajj is supervised by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. You apply through a licensed Egyptian travel agency on the Egyptian Unified Hajj Portal, and a public electronic draw is then held for each program level.

For the 1448 AH season, applications ran from 4 to 27 September 2026, and the draw results were announced on 30 September 2026. The main announced conditions:

• The applicant must be at least 21 and a companion at least 12, with age calculated on 28 January 2027.
• Meeting the health requirements for performing the rituals.
• Not having applied through another Hajj organiser in the same season.

Tourism Hajj offers several program levels, from economy programs to hotels closer to the Haram, so you choose the level that suits you before the draw. After the draw, the level and travel method are final, and the agency may not change the level you won.

Quick comparison

Can I apply through both routes?

No. The announced rules allow you to apply through one organiser only in the same season: the lottery, tourism or solidarity Hajj. Decide early which route suits you best.

Tourism Hajj steps with a licensed agency

1. Choose the agency and level: make sure the agency is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, and ask for the details of the programs available at each level.
2. Registration on the portal: the agency registers your details on the Egyptian Unified Hajj Portal during the official application period and gives you a receipt showing the program and its level.
3. The electronic draw: a public draw is held for each level, and results are announced on the portal.
4. Contract after winning: you sign the final program contract with the agency, clearly listing the services and accommodation.
5. Preparing to travel: the health fitness certificate, learning the rituals, and using the ministry’s “Rafeeq” app to follow the trip.

What if I withdraw after winning Tourism Hajj?

Under the 1448 AH rules:

• If you withdraw within 15 days of the draw results, 50% of the booking deposit is refunded.
• After 15 days and before accommodation is booked, the booking deposit is not refunded.
• Once the agency has booked accommodation, it may collect the full program price if the contract says so.
• Your place cannot be transferred to another person. Replacement is allowed only in cases of death, officially proven medical inability, or a final court ruling restricting liberty, and only if it happens after the results are announced.

Our advice from more than 45 years of experience

• Deal only with a licensed travel agency, and avoid any unofficial middleman offering a “guaranteed visa”.
• Prepare your passport and national ID early and check that they are valid.
• Read the contract carefully before signing, and make sure the services and accommodation are written clearly.
• Follow the official announcements for the 1449 AH season, as dates are usually announced several months ahead.