The Burkinabé government has officially launched preparations for the 2027 Hajj, with a focus on consolidating reforms introduced in 2026 to improve the experience of Burkinabé pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The launch took place on September 29, 2026, in Ouagadougou. According to Sibiri de Issa Ouédraogo, representative of the Minister of State for Territorial Administration and Mobility, the goal is to build on the successes of the previous edition and address areas for improvement.
One of the key measures announced is the continuation of the "Ehadj" digital platform, which was introduced in 2026 to facilitate pilgrim registration. The platform will be maintained to ensure a more equitable and streamlined registration process. Additionally, information and training sessions will be provided for travel agencies, supervisors, and other stakeholders involved in organizing the pilgrimage.
To further enhance the pilgrimage experience, the Burkinabé government has announced that it will formalize groupings of travel agencies based on the number of registered pilgrims. This move aims to improve coordination of services, accommodation, and transportation for pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia. The government has also confirmed that catering costs in Medina and Mecca will remain part of the overall pilgrimage cost.
The 2027 Hajj will see the continuation of certain measures introduced in 2026, including the payment of the "mouton" fee through a Saudi Arabian platform, subject to confirmation by Saudi authorities. Air Burkina will again be responsible for transporting Burkinabé pilgrims to the holy sites. The airline will implement additional measures to improve travel conditions for pilgrims.
As part of the preparations, Burkinabé trainers will undergo training in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026. They will then pass on their knowledge to other stakeholders involved in the pilgrimage. A medical fitness certificate will remain a mandatory requirement for all candidates, in line with Saudi Arabian health regulations.
The Burkinabé government has confirmed that the quota of pilgrims allocated to Burkina Faso for 2027 remains at 8,143, the same as in 2026. The government will establish modalities for inscription and selection to distribute these places among candidates. Authorities have emphasized the need to prioritize the interests of pilgrims and prevent potential sabotage.
The representative of the Minister of State warned against attempts to disrupt the pilgrimage, following incidents reported during the 2026 edition. The government has called on all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment and professionalism to ensure a successful 2027 Hajj. The total cost of the 2027 Hajj has not yet been announced.
Key points
- The Burkinabé government has launched preparations for the 2027 Hajj, focusing on consolidating reforms to improve the pilgrim experience.
- The "Ehadj" digital platform will be maintained to facilitate pilgrim registration and ensure a more equitable process.
- The quota of pilgrims allocated to Burkina Faso for 2027 remains at 8,143, the same as in 2026.
